Olga Kitaina

Olga Kitaina is a researcher at Common Cents Lab at Duke University who focuses on changing how mental health care is perceived and accessed. Her work addresses the significant cultural and systemic barriers that prevent effective mental health treatment in Russia, where stigma and institutional challenges create substantial obstacles for those seeking psychological support.

Through her research and advocacy, Kitaina examines the complex intersection of cultural attitudes, policy frameworks, and healthcare delivery systems that shape mental health outcomes. Her TED 2022 presentation highlighted strategies for shifting public perception and improving access to mental health resources in environments where such care has historically been marginalized or misunderstood.

Her work at Duke University's Common Cents Lab positions her at the forefront of behavioral research that can drive meaningful change in healthcare systems and social attitudes toward mental wellness.