Rate My Professor Janine Wanlass

Janine Wanlass, PhD, is Professor and Program Chair of the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling within the Counseling and Counselor Education department at Westminster College of Salt Lake City. Having dedicated over 30 years to the institution—celebrated in 2021—she is distinguished by her intelligent, insightful, dedicated, and passionate approach to teaching and supervising students in clinical mental health counseling. Dr. Wanlass is an exemplary role model and mentor who goes above and beyond formal requirements, assisting students in becoming the best possible young professionals. She actively fosters connections between her students and the wider clinical community, extending opportunities locally in Utah and internationally that would otherwise be inaccessible.

Dr. Wanlass received her Bachelor of Science degree from Brigham Young University in 1978, Master of Science in 1984, and Doctor of Philosophy in 1991, all from the University of Utah. Her research specializations encompass therapeutic applications in child and family therapy, particularly using attachment theory to guide foster care decisions, group therapy for eating disorders, and interventions for abused and neglected youth. Prominent publications include "Separation and Reunification: Using Attachment Theory and Research to Inform Decisions Affecting the Placements of Children in Foster Care" (2004, with D.F. Goldsmith and D. Oppenheim), "Group Therapy for Eating Disorders: A Retrospective Case Study" (2005), "Group Therapy for Abused and Neglected Youth" (2006), and "Who Is Treating the Children? Training Child and Family Therapists during COVID-19" (2023). Complementing her academic career, she maintains a private practice as a psychologist and psychoanalyst in Salt Lake City, thereby integrating practical clinical experience into her educational contributions. Dr. Wanlass holds office hours on Thursdays from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. in Malouf Hall 118, and by appointment.