Kexin Yu, Ph.D.

Joined UT Southwestern: 2025

Clinical Interests: Dr. Kexin Yu integrates clinical social work practice with aging and dementia research and is completing supervised training toward Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensure. She is passionate about supporting individuals and families as they navigate the emotional and relational challenges that arise during the journey of memory change. Her clinical interests center on helping patients strengthen interpersonal connections and discover new sources of meaning, belonging, and resilience. 

Research: Dr. Yu received her Ph.D. in Social Work from the University of Southern California and completed her postdoctoral training at Oregon Health & Science University’s Layton Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease Center. Her research focuses on developing behavioral health interventions to reduce loneliness and promote social connectedness among older adults with diverse cognitive abilities, including those experiencing early memory loss or living with dementia.

Dr. Yu’s work bridges psychosocial and biological perspectives to explore how loneliness may shape brain health over time. She is particularly interested in the intersection of aging, technology, and health equity. With expertise in community-engaged research and user-centered design, she develops technology-facilitated tools and interventions that are culturally inclusive and accessible to underserved populations, including immigrant caregivers and older adults living in affordable housing.