Galena Rhoades, Ph.D.
Psychologist · Researcher · Nonprofit Leader · Author
Dedicated to helping women, children, couples, and families thrive through evidence-based research, clinical practice, and community partnership.
About me
Galena Rhoades, Ph.D., is a psychologist, researcher, and nonprofit leader whose work is dedicated to helping women, children, couples, and families thrive.
She is the Founder and Executive Director of Thriving Families, a Denver-based nonprofit that provides evidence-based education, case management, mental health services, and practical support to hundreds of families each year, with a particular focus on those who are pregnant or parenting young children.
Dr. Rhoades is also a Research Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Denver and Director of the Institute for Relationship Science. Her research focuses on strengthening relationships and families, improving maternal and child well-being, and translating research into accessible and effective community programs. She has led numerous large-scale studies and community initiatives supported by federal agencies and private foundations.
A licensed clinical psychologist, Dr. Rhoades also maintains a private practice, Wash Park Psychology, where she works with individuals and couples. Across her nonprofit leadership, research, and clinical practice, she brings together scientific evidence, clinical insight, and community partnership to create meaningful and lasting change.
Focus
Relationship transitions and family dynamics
Examining how couples and families navigate key transitions — cohabitation, marriage, parenthood — and building the evidence base for community-based programs that strengthen family well-being and support mothers and children.
Maternal health and mental health
Studying maternal mental health, well-being during pregnancy and the postpartum period, and interventions designed to reduce health disparities for families during this critical time.
Relationship education curriculum development
Developing and evaluating evidence-based relationship education curricula, including work with PREP, Inc., to create accessible programs that help couples build stronger, healthier relationships.
Community-based program evaluation
Evaluating the effectiveness of programs offered in the community, particularly those serving families, couples, and youth — translating rigorous research into evidence of real-world impact.
Book
4th Edition
Fighting for Your Marriage
Positive Steps for Preventing Divorce and Building a Lasting Love
Based on over 40 years of research, this definitive guide helps couples talk more and fight less, protect their friendship, keep the fun alive, and preserve and deepen commitment. Now updated with cutting-edge research and issues facing today's couples.
Co-authored with Howard J. Markman, Scott M. Stanley, and Janice R. Levine
Education & Training
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
University of Denver·
Clinical Internship
University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, NJ·
M.A. in Psychology
University of Denver·
B.A. in Psychology
University of Puget Sound·