Trish Haak, MSW

Care for the human-animal bond

Recognizing that our animals are a beloved part of our lives, VA-MD Vet Med's Veterinary Social Work Service is available to help clients navigate every step of their pet’s care. Similar to hospital or medical social workers in other health care settings, this service may include talking through treatment options, facilitating communication, or offering support for decision-making.

Resource blog

Veterinary Social Work's resource blog was initially established in response to the evolving needs of those experiencing challenges as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Veterinary Social Work Post-Graduate Certification, 2018-present
University of Tennessee
Knoxville, TN

MSW, 2005
University of Washington
Seattle, WA

BA, Psychology, 1996
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC

• License in Clinical Social Work, Commonwealth of Virginia 
• Registered Pet Partner to perform animal-assisted therapy 
• Adult/infant CPR

2019-present
Veterinary Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA

2014-2019
Staff Counselor
Cook Counseling Center
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA

2012-2014
Therapist/Assessment and Referral Counselor
Bloomington Meadows Hospital
Bloomington, IN

2011-2012
Therapist
Stone City Counseling Inc.
Bedford, IN

2009-2010
Interventionist
Kaiser Permanente Research Institute
Seattle, WA

2005-2010
Research Project Manager
Kaiser Permanente Research Institute
Seattle, WA

1. Shaffer, K.S. Love, M.M., Chapman, K.M., Horn, A.J., Haak, P.P., and Shen, C.Y. (2017). Walk-in triage systems in university counseling centers. Journal of College Student Psychotherapy, 31(1), 71-89.
2. Haak, D.C., P.P. Perkins, D.O. Graham, K., Hieri, J.M., and Lieberman, J.A. "Prodromal Symptoms in a Population "At Risk" for Developing psychotic illness.", Schizophrenia Bulletin (2003). Presented at Winter Workshop on Schizophrenia, Davos, Switzerland., 2/2003.