Adam McCormick, PhD, is a Professor of Social Work at St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas, where he teaches in both the Social Work and Master of Counseling programs. His work focuses on childhood trauma, emotional survival adaptations, authenticity, burnout, masculinity, and the inner lives of helping professionals.
Dr. McCormick is the recipient of the 2026 Minnie Stevens Piper Professor Award, Texas’s highest teaching honor for university faculty, and the 2025 Distinguished Teaching Award at St. Edward’s University. He was also the recipient of the 2025 Distinguished Teaching Award.
He is the author of the NASW Press book Healing the Helping Professional: The Unfinished Business of Childhood, which explores how childhood trauma and emotional survival roles continue shaping the lives and work of therapists, social workers, counselors, and other helping professionals. He is the author of LGBTQ Youth in Foster Care: Empowering Approaches to Inclusive Care (Routledge) and is currently authoring a forthcoming book exploring the hidden emotional and developmental costs of boyhood and masculinity.
Over the course of his career, Dr. McCormick has delivered more than 250 lectures, keynote presentations, and workshops around the country on trauma, emotional wellbeing, masculinity, foster care, helping professionals, authenticity, burnout, and trauma-informed practice. His work is known for integrating relational, reflective, and trauma-informed perspectives in ways that help people better understand both themselves and the people they serve.
Books
McCormick, A. (2026). Healing the Helping Professional: The Unfinished Business of Childhood. NASW Press. https://naswpress.org/product/healing-the-helping-professional/
McCormick, A. (2018). LGBTQ Youth in Foster Care: Empowering Approaches for an Inclusive System. Routledge. https://www.routledge.com/LGBTQ-Youth-in-Foster-Care-Empowering-Approaches-for-an-Inclusive-System-of-Care/McCormick/p/book/9781138859517
McCormick, A. (In Process). The Hidden Costs of Boyhood: Trauma, Masculinity, and a Return to the Self.
PhD University of Texas at Arlington
MSSW University of Texas at Austin
BSW Lubbock Christian University
McCormick, A. , Beck-Aguilera, N., Rittmeyer, M., McCormick, E. (Accepted ). Transgender and Non-Binary Youth in Foster Care: An Analysis of Foster Parent Support Across Belief and Demographic Lines, Child Welfare
McCormick, A. , Beck-Aguilera, N., Rittmeyer, M., McCormick, E. (In Revision). Barriers to Belonging: A Qualitative Study of Child Welfare Professionals’ Knowledge, Perceptions, and Barriers to Working with LGBTQ+ Youth, Children and Youth Service Review
McCormick, A. , Beck-Aguilera, N., McCormick, E., Rittmeyer, M. (In Revision). Systemic Pathways to Exploitation: A Qualitative Study of Trafficking Vulnerability Among LGBTQ+ Youth in Foster Care, Journal of Public Child Welfare.
McCormick, A. , Beck-Aguilera, N., McCormick, E., Rittmeyer, M. (In Press). Nowhere to Belong: Exploring LGBTQ+ Youth Experiences in Group Homes and Congregate Placements, Families in Society.
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/10443894251409236
McCormick, A. , Beck-Aguilera, N., McCormick, E., Rittmeyer, M. (Under Review). Fostering Belonging: A Qualitative Exploration of Foster Parent Experiences Caring for LGBTQ+ Youth, Adoption and Foster Quarterly
Terrazas. S. & McCormick, A. (2018) Depression amongst migrant farmworkers. Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences, 40, 1, p57-72.
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0739986317752923?journalCode=hjba
McCormick, A., Scheyd, K. & Terrazas, T. (2018 Trauma informed care and LGBTQ youth: Conceptualizing an intervention framework to address the traumatic experiences of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Youth. Families in Society, 99, 2, pp 160-169.
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1044389418768550?journalCode=fisa
McCormick, A., Scheyd, K. & Terrazas, S. (2018). LGBTQ youth and maltreatment: Addressing traumatic stress in LGBTQ youth. Journal of Family Strengths, 17, 4.
McCormick, A. & Baldridge, S. (2019). Family acceptance and faith: Understanding the acceptance process and experiences of parents of LGBTQ youth. Journal of Social Work and Christianity, 46, 1, pp 32-40
McCormick, A. & Schmidt, K. (2017). LGBTQ youth in the child welfare system: An overview of research, practice and policy. Journal of Public Child Welfare. 11 (1), 27-39.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15548732.2016.1221368
McCormick, A., Schmidt, K. & Terrazas, S (2016) Creating an inclusive system of care: Understanding the role of foster family acceptance for LGBTQ youth in care. Children and Youth Services Review, 61, 69-74.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/children-and-youth-services-review/vol/61
McCormick, A., Schmidt, K. & Clifton, E. (2015). Gay Straight Alliances: Understanding their role and impact on the academic experiences of LGBT students. Children in Schools, 37 (2), 65-128.
https://academic.oup.com/cs/article-abstract/37/2/71/451988?redirectedFrom=fulltext
McCormick, A. (2025). Trauma and boyhood, NASW Texas Annual Conference, Irving, TX.
https://www.naswtx.org/page/Conf_FridaySessions
McCormick, A. (2026). The Strength in Struggle: What Trauma Can Teach Social Workers in Difficult Times, 35th Annual Texas School Social Work Conference, Austin, TX
https://cvent.utexas.edu/event/SSWCon2026/agenda?session=b2153a8e-d8a9-4157-8e60-a97ec7ba487a
McCormick, A. (2024) Finding Yourself in the Most Selfless Profession, University of Texas at Austin Annual School Social Work Conference, Austin, TX.
McCormick, A. (2023). The unfinished business of our childhood: Healing the social worker’s childhood attachment and trauma wounds, NASW TX Annual Conference, Galveston, TX.
McCormick, A. (2022). The boyhood crisis: Trauma informed strategies for intervention in schools. NASW TX Annual Conference.
Washburn, M., Weaver, L., Ash, B. & McCormick, A. (2021). Affirming practice with LGBTQ+ youth in care, Texas Annual Child Care Administrators Conference, Dallas, TX.
Paskos, D., McCormick, A. & Melton, E. (2021). Trauma informed approaches in the classroom. St. Edward’s University Annual Teaching Symposium, Austin, TX.
McCormick, A., Diamond, C. (2021). Addressing sex trafficking victimization in LGBTQ+ students: A trauma-informed approach. University of Texas at Austin Annual School Social Work Conference, Austin, TX
McCormick, A., Jurgens, H., & Sanchez, M. (2020). Enhancing practice with boys: Addressing issues of masculinity in schools. University of Texas Annual School Social Work Conference, Austin, TX.
McCormick, A. (2019). Empowering work with boys: Addressing masculinity in practice. National Association of Social Workers Texas Annual Conference, Galveston, TX.
McCormick, A. (2019). Fostering family acceptance of LGBTQ youth. University of Texas Annual School Social Work Conference, Austin, TX.
McCormick, A. (2018). Empowering work with LGBTQ youth and families. National Association of Social Workers Texas Annual Conference, Arlington, TX.
McCormick, A. (2018) Masculinity and trauma: Addressing masculinity in work with youth. Texas Casa Annual Conference, Denton, TX.
McCormick, A. (2018). Toxic masculinity in schools: Power and privilege. University of Texas at Austin Annual School Social Work Conference, Austin, TX.
McCormick, A. (2017) Conceptualizing an intervention framework to address traumatic stress in LGBTQ youth. National Association of Social Workers Texas Annual Conference, Galveston, TX.
McCormick, A. (2017). Trauma informed care with LGBTQ youth: Skills and strategies for empowering LGBTQ youth. CASA Texas Annual Conference, Galveston, TX
McCormick, A. & Smith, C. (2017). LGBTQ youth in the child welfare system: Recognizing the role of family acceptance and affirmation. University of Texas Annual Child Welfare Conference, Austin, TX.
McCormick, A. (2017). Foster family acceptance and its role in the experiences of LGBTQ youth. Human Rights Campaign Annual Time to Thrive Conference, Washington, D.C.
McCormick, A. (2017). Recognizing resilience and resourcefulness in the behaviors of traumatized students. University of Texas at Austin Annual School social Work Conference, Austin, TX
McCormick, A. (2016). Clinical skills for working with LGBTQ youth and their families: Empowering strategies for change. NASW TX Annual Conference, Dallas, TX.
McCormick, A. Schmidt, K. Munoz, E., & Salas, C. (2015). Clinical skills for working with traumatized children and teens. National Association of Social Workers Texas Annual Conference, Galveston, TX
Schmidt, K. & McCormick, A. (2015). Improving practice with LGBTQ clients using objective standardized clinical experiences. Council on Social Work Education Annual Program Meeting, Denver, CO.
McCormick, A. & Schmidt, K. (2015). Foster family acceptance: Using research to improve students' competence with LGBTQ youth
McCormick, A. & Schmidt, K. (2015) Sexual minority youth in foster care: Strategies for creating an inclusive system of care. National Association of Social Workers New Mexico Annual Conference.
McCormick, A. 2014) Sexual minority youth in the foster care system: Implications for practice, policy, and research. National Association of Social Workers Texas Annual Conference, San Marcos, TX.
McCormick, A. (2014) Identifying resilience and resourcefulness in traumatized youth. National Association of Social Workers Texas Annual Conference. San Marcos, TX.
McCormick, A. (2014). LGBTQ youth in foster care: Hearing their voices and advocating for change. National Association of Social Workers Annual Conference, Washington, D.C.
McCormick, A. (2014). Gay-Straight alliances: Are they really all that effective. Texas School Social Workers Annual Conference, Austin, TX
McCormick, A. (2014). That explains a lot: Identifying resilience, courage, and resourcefulness in traumatized youth. National Association of Social Workers New Mexico Annual Conference, Albuquerque, NM.
McCormick, A. (2014). Understanding the role of foster family acceptance on the social, academic and personal experiences of LGBTQ youth in foster care. The Society of Social Work and Research Annual Conference, San Antonio, TX
Terrazas, S. & McCormick, A. (2014) An examination of the dream sponsors program among rural Kenyan youth. 39th Annual National Institute for Social Work and Human Services in Rural Areas, Silver City, NM.
Garcia, M. Schmidt, K. & McCormick, A. (2014) Rural children in foster care: Recognizing gender identity and sexual orientation issues, 39th Annual National Institute for Social Work and Human Services in Rural Areas, Silver City, NM.
McCormick, A. (2026) Healing the Helping Professional: The Unfinished Business of Childhood. St. Ambrose University 28th Annual Social Justice Conference, Davenport, Iowa
Mccormick, A. (2026) What survivors of childhood trauma can teach us about wisdom, authenticity, and connection. Univeristy of Texas at Austin Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, Austin, TX
McCormick, A. (2026). Living in the shadows: The trauma of children of undocumented children. University of Missouri at St. Louis School of Social Work 9th Annual Critiical Issues Symposium, St. Louis, Missouri https://calendar.umsl.edu/event/9th-annual-social-work-critical-issues-symposium?utm_campaign=widget&utm_medium=widget&utm_source=University+of+Missouri-St.+Louis
McCormick, A. (2025). Authenticity, Connection, and Courage, St. Edward’s University Annual Medallion Ceremony, Austin, TX
McCormick, A. (2025). The unfinished business of childhood: Healing the helper’s childhood trauma, University of Texas at Austin and Dell Medical School Grand Rounds, Austin, TX
McCormick, A. (2025). Engaging authenticity during turbulent times, University of Texas at Austin, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, Austin, TX
McCormick, A. (2025). The unfinished business of childhood: Healing the social worker’s childhood trauma wounds. NASW Iowa Annual Symposium, Ankeney, IA.
https://naswia.socialworkers.org/Professional-Development/Symposium-2025
McCormick, A. (2025). The rowdiness of authentic self-care. The Texas Annual School Social Work Conference, Austin, TX
McCormick, A. (2023). The unfinished business of our childhoods: Healing the helping professional’s childhood trauma wounds, University of Texas at El Paso Annual Child Welfare Conference, El Paso, Texas.
McCormick, A. (2024). Authentic masculinity: A trauma informed approach. It’s On US Regional Summit, Austin, TX.
McCormick, A. (2021). Masculinity and mental health: Engaging an ethical perspective, Borderland Hope and Ethics Conference, El Paso, TX.
McCormick, A. (2020). Trafficking experiences of LGBTQ+ youth and youth in care, National Association of Social Workers Annual Conference, Austin, TX.
https://www.naswtx.org/page/Conf_Plenary
McCormick, A. (2019). Examining the intersections of immigration and child welfare. St. Ambrose University 21st Annual Social Justice Conference, Davenport, IA.
McCormick, A. (2018). Engaging practice with LGBTQ youth. West River Annual Social Welfare Conference, Medora, ND.
McCormick, A. (2015). Empowering work with substance abusing adolescents. El Paso Annual Care Conference. El Paso, TX
McCormick, A. (2013). Understanding childhood trauma: What every School Social Worker should know. Keynote address at the Midwest School Social Work Association Annual Conference, Davenport, IA.
McCormick, A. (2026). The Hidden Costs of Boyhood: Trauma Healing and a Return to the Authentic Self, University of Houston School of Social Work
McCormick, A. (2026). Supporting Children of Undocumented Parents: A Trauma-Informed Approach for Social Workers, NASW Wisconsin Continuing Education Seminar, Online https://naswwi.socialworkers.org/CE2026
McCormick, A. (2026). The Unfinished Business of Childhood: Healing the Helping Professional’s Childhood Wounds. Palo Alto University Continuing Education Summit.
McCormick, A. (2026) Healing the Helping Profesional. Adelphi University Continuing Education Program, Virtual.
McCormick, A. (2025). Authenticity at the Margins: Understanding LGBTQ+ Youth Vulnerabilty and Resilience. St. Edward’s University Psych Society Fall Lecture.
McCormick, A. (2025). Trauma, Masculinity, and Healing: A Closer Look at Boyhood, Indiana Counseling Association Webinar, Online
McCormick, A. (2025). The unfinished business of childhood: Healing the social worker’s childhood trauma wounds, University of Alabama School of Social Work Continuing Education Forum, Online.
https://socialwork.ua.edu/2025/09/02/23557/
McCormick, A. (2025). Trauma, masculinity, and boyhood: A conversation on authenticity, Rutgers School of Social Work Continuing Education Forum, Online
https://socialwork-ce.rutgers.edu/index.php/product/2450?v=6475
McCormick, A. (2025). The unfinished business of childhood: Healing the social worker’s childhood wounds, Rutgers School of Social Work Continuing Education Forum, Online
https://socialwork-ce.rutgers.edu/index.php/product/2449?v=6441
McCormick, A. (2025). At the Margins of Care: Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth Facing Rejection and Risk, Rutgers University School of Social Work Continuing Education Forum, Online
https://socialwork-ce.rutgers.edu/index.php/product/2451?v=6418
McCormick, A. (2025). The unfinished business of childhood: Tending the social worker’s childhood trauma wounds, Chamberlain School of Social Work: Chamberlain Speaks Event, Online
McCormick, A. (2025). Authentic Social Work with Boys and Men: A Trauma-Informed Approach, NASW Nevada Continuing Education Workshop, Online
https://naswnv.socialworkers.org/News/Chapter-News/ID/3278/Sept-2025-newsletter
McCormick, A. (2025). The Unfinished Business of Childhood: Tending to the Social Worker’s Childhood Trauma Wounds, NASW Nevada Continuing Education Workshop, Online
https://naswnv.socialworkers.org/Professional-Development/Continuing-Education
McCormick, A. (2025). The Strength in Struggle: What Trauma Can Teach Social Workers in Polarizing and Threatening Times, Adelphi University School of Social Work Continuing Education Program, Online
McCormick, A (2025). The University of Houston, Graduate College of Social Work. The unfinished business of childhood: Healing the social worker’s childhood wounds, UH Continuing Studies. https://learn.uh.edu/browse/gcsw/courses/the-unfinished-business-of-childhood-healing-the-social-workers-childhood-wounds
McCormick, A. (2025). The trauma of boyhood. Adelphi University School of Social Work Conference, Online https://www.adelphi.edu/events/authentic-social-work-with-boys-and-men-a-trauma-informed-approach/
McCormick, A. (2025). Finding self in the most selfless profession. Barber’s Hill Independent School District Annual Workshop, Bellevue, TX.
McCormick, A. (2025). Masculinity and practice: Expert Interview, Agents of Change Workshop, Virtual
McCormick, A. (2025). The unfinished business of childhood: Healing the childhood trauma of social workers, Rhode Island College School of Social Work Conference.
McCormick, A. (2025). The unfinished business of childhood: Healing childhood trauma wounds, Workshop for OutYouth Austin.
McCormick, A. (2025). The strength in struggle: What trauma can teach us in turbulent times, NASW, TX Webinar. https://www.naswtx.org/events/event_list.asp
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1063986585768198&id=100064705989556&set=a.461494462684083
McCormick, A. (2025). The unfinished business of childhood: Healing the social worker’s childhood wounds. Adelphi University School of Social Work Conference, Online
McCormick. A. (2025). LGBTQ+ youth in the foster care system. Agents of Change Continuing Education. Virtual
https://agentsofchangeprep.com/continuing-education-social-work/course-detail/lgbtq-youth/
Irshed, S., Thurber, A., Suslovic, B. & McCormick, A. (2025). Palestine, Free Speech and DEI Bans: Social Work's Response to Silencing Tactics, Genocide, and Systemic Injustice, Society for Social Work and Research Annual Luncheon Event, Seattle, WA.
https://sswr.confex.com/sswr/2025/webprogram/Session15860.html
McCormick, A. (2025). How trauma shapes professional lives and relationships, Indiana Counseling Association, Virtual.
https://www.indianacounseling.org/event-6062615
McCormick, A. (2025). Healing, self, and authenticity. TACES 2025 Midwinter Conference, Austin, TX.
McCormick, A. (2025). Sexual violence is a men’s issue too. St. Edward’s University It’s On Us Faculty Lecture Series, Austin, TX.
McCormick, A. (2025). Trauma and men. St. Edward’s University Redefining Men Lecture, Austin, TX
McCormick, A. (2025). The unfinished business of childhood: Tending to the helper’s childhood wounds. Texas Association for Counselor Education and Supervision Annual Conference, Austin, TX
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PxoWs7UMDOVfNNHk2W991bN9a5T2MrFR/view
McCormick, A. (2024). Examining the links between attachment and self-care. Austin Independent School District Social Worker Continuing Education Summit. Austin, TX
McCormick, A. (2024). Reclaiming our Authenticity: What childhood trauma survivors teach us about the power of connection, healing and authenticity. St. Edward’s University Last Lecture, Austin, TX.
McCormick, A. (2024). The trauma informed educator: Rediscovering authenticity in ourselves and our students. St. Edward’s University Title IX Summit, Austin, TX.
https://www.instagram.com/p/C3BFmZasbCr/?hl=en
McCormick, A. (2024). The unfinished business of our childhoods: Healing the helping professional’s childhood trauma and attachment wounds. St. Edward’s University Department of Social Work and Masters of Counseling Continuing Education Event.
McCormick, A. (2024). Finding self in the most “self” less work: A workshop on healing. University of Texas at El Paso Child Welfare Training Project, El Paso, TX.
McCormick, A. (2024). Examining the impact of traumatic separation in foster care, ContinuED
https://www.continued.com/social-work/ceus/course/examining-impact-traumatic-separation-in-2243
McCormick, A. (2024). Developmental trauma: Strategies for trauma informed intervention, ContinuED
McCormick, A. (2024). Understanding the adaptive nature of childhood trauma, ContinuED
McCormick, A. (2024). Addressing emotional neglect and complex trauma in the family system, ContinuED
McCormick, A. (2024). Finding self in the a profession where selflessness is the ultimate virtue, ContinuED
McCormick, A. (2024). Addressing the social and emotional contagion to prevent burnout and secondary traumatic stress in helping professionals: Part 1 ContinuED
McCormick, A. (2024). Addressing the social and emotional contagion to prevent burnout and secondary traumatic stress in helping professionals: Part 2 ContinuED
McCormick, A. (2023). Part 1: The unfinished business of our childhoods: Healing the helping professional’s childhood trauma wounds, ContinuED
https://www.continued.com/social-work/ceus/course/unfinished-business-our-childhoods-healing-1907
McCormick, A. (2023). Part 2: The unfinished business of our childhoods: Healing the helping professional’s childhood trauma wounds, ContinuED
https://www.continued.com/social-work/ceus/course/unfinished-business-our-childhoods-healing-1908
McCormick, A. (2023). Part 1: Dismantling the foster care to prison pipeline, ContinuED
https://www.continued.com/social-work/ceus/course/foster-care-to-prison-pipeline-1771
McCormick, A. (2023). Part 2: Dismantling the foster care to prison pipeline, ContinuED
https://www.continued.com/psychology/ceus/course/part-2-examining-foster-care-1979
McCormick, A. (2023). Part 1: Transformative and trauma informed strategies with boys and men, ContinuED
https://www.continued.com/social-work/ceus/course/transformative-and-trauma-informed-practice-1821
McCormick, A. (2023). Part 2: Transformative and trauma informed strategies with boys and men, ContinuED
https://www.continued.com/social-work/ceus/course/transformative-and-trauma-informed-practice-1821
McCormick, A. (2023). Part 1: Trauma informed practice with LGBTQ+ youth in the child welfare system, ContinuED
https://www.continued.com/counseling/ceus/course/trauma-informed-practice-with-lgbtq-1226
McCormick, A. (2023). Part 2: Trauma informed practice with LGBTQ+ youth in the child welfare system, ContinuED
https://www.continued.com/counseling/ceus/course/trauma-informed-practice-with-lgbtq-1226
McCormick, A. (2023). Part 3: Trauma informed practice with LGBTQ+ youth in the child welfare system, ContinuED
https://www.continued.com/counseling/ceus/course/trauma-informed-practice-with-lgbtq-1226
McCormick, A. (2023). The unfinished business of childhood: Healing the helper. New Mexico Service Provider Workshop, Albuquerque, NM.
McCormick, A. (2022). Dismantling the foster care to prison pipeline. Presentation to the Gladney University Family Services Conference, Dallas, TX.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHBXbpKQWaU
McCormick, A. (2022). Empowering practice with LGBTQ+ youth in care. Presentation to the Gladney University Family Services Conference, Dallas, TX.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHBXbpKQWaU
McCormick, A. (2022). Healing the hidden costs of caring: A trauma informed approach to secondary stress and burnout. Presentation to the Gladney University Family Services Conference, Dallas, TX.
Gladney Short Stacks | Adam McCormick, MSSW, PhD
McCormick, A. & Morgan Henry, A. (2022). A case for abolition: Examining racism in the U.S. foster care system. Chamberlain University Equity and Inclusion Series, Virtual.
McCormick, A. (2022). Trauma informed supervision: Healing the hidden costs of caring, St. Edward’s University Department of Social Work Continuing Education Workshop, Austin, TX.
McCormick, A. (2022). Examining the foster care to prison pipeline, Judith Birmingham Center for Child Welfare at the University of Texas at Arlington School of Social Work Annual Conference, Arlington, TX.
McCormick, A. (2021). A trauma informed approach to addressing placement instability in foster care, Judith Birmingham Center for Child Welfare at the University of Texas at Arlington School of Social Work Annual Conference, Arlington, TX.
McCormick, A. (2021). Empowering LGBTQ+ youth in foster care: An trauma informed framework, Gladney Family Services Annual Conference, Dallas, TX.
McCormick, A & Morgan, A. (2021). Anti-racist social work education, Chamberlain University MSW Student event, Virtual.
McCormick, A. (2021). Affirming and accepting practice with LGBTQ+ youth. Chamberlain University Diversity Speaker Event Series, Virtual.
McCormick, A. (2021). Family of origin maltreatment experiences of LGBTQ+ youth. National Institute of Health Sexual Minority Youth Research Conference, Washington, DC.
McCormick, A. (2021). LGBTQ+ youth in the foster care system: Empowering approaches to an inclusive system of care, STARC Meeting, Virtual.
McCormick, A., Faulkner, M. Rollins, T. (2021) Examining disproportionality in the Texas foster care system. Texas Workforce Commission Annual Youth Well-being Conference, Austin, TX.
McCormick, A. (2021). Research with LGBTQ+ youth in care: Ethical considerations, University of Houston Graduate Psychology Annual Conference, Houston, TX.
McCormick, A. (2021). Understanding the trafficking experiences of youth in foster care. University of Texas at Arlington School of Social Work faculty training event, Arlington, TX.
McCormick, A. (2020). A trauma-informed approach to adolescent substance abuse, University of Texas at El Paso Center for Child Welfare, Annual Conference.
McCormick, A. (2020). Examining the impact of COVID on traumatized youth, National Association of Social Workers Continuing Education Workshop.
McCormick, A. (2019). Examining the intersections of child maltreatment and gender based violence. University of Texas at Arlington Child Welfare Workshop, Arlington, TX.
McCormick, A. (2019). Examining the intersections of homelessness and trauma. Caritas Continuing Education Training, Austin, TX.
McCormick, A. (2018). Engaging practice with traumatized teens. University of Texas at Arlington Child Welfare Workshop, Arlington, TX.
McCormick, A. (2018). LGBTQ youth in the child welfare system: Affirming interventions for an inclusive system of care, Texas Network of Youth Services Continuing Education, Austin, TX
McCormick, A. (2017). LGBTQ youth in foster care: Empowering approaches for helping professionals. Annual Meeting of the Austin LGBTQ Bar Association, Austin, TX.
McCormick, A. (2017). Ethical practice with transgender youth and young adults. The Advocacy Center for Crime Victims and Children Annual SAFE Conference, Waco, TX.
McCormick, A. (2017). Toxic Masculinity and Intimate Partner Violence: Understanding dynamics and power and control in the tactics of perpetrators of IPV. University of Texas at Arlington Child Welfare Workshop, Arlington, TX.
McCormick, A. (2017). Empowering practice with LGBTQ youth. University of North Dakota Annual Child Welfare Conference, Bismark, ND.
Green, D., McCormick, A. & Scheyd, K. (2017). Caring for LGBTQ youth: An introduction for foster and adoptive parents. Human Rights Campaign Webinar Series
McCormick, A. (2017). Approaching family engagement in public child welfare. University of Texas at Arlington Conference on Child Welfare, Arlington, TX.
McCormick, A. & Schmidt, K. (2016) Empowering social work practice with LGBTQ clients. Annual Conference of National Association of Social Workers Panhandle Branch, Amarillo, TX.
McCormick, A. (2016). Engaging traumatized youth in foster care: Recognizing resilience and resourcefulness. University of Texas at Arlington Conference on Child Welfare, Arlington, TX.
McCormick, A. (2016). Trauma informed strengths based work with children and families in crises: Ethical considerations for helping professionals. University of Texas at El Paso School of Social Work, El Paso, TX
McCormick, A. (2016). The ties that bind: Understanding attachment and its impact on children and teens. University of Texas at El Paso Title IV-E Child Welfare Training Collaboration, El Paso, Tx
McCormick, A. (2016). Empowering child welfare practice with traumatized youth. University of Texas at Arlington Continuing Education Summit. Arlington, TX.
McCormick, A. (2015). That explains a lot: Recognizing resilience and resourcefulness in the behaviors of traumatized youth. Annual Conference of El Paso Annual Care Conference. El Paso, TX
Schmidt, K. & McCormick, A. (2015). LGBTQ youth in foster care: Exploring strategies to create an inclusive and affirming environment. El Paso Annual Care Conference. El Paso, TX
McCormick, A (2015). Clinical skills in working with LGBTQ youth and their families. University of Texas at El Paso Department of Social Work Mental Health Workshop.
McCormick, A. (2015). Trauma informed child welfare practice: From assessment to effective treatment. University of Texas at El Paso Department of Social Work Mental Health Workshop.
McCormick, A. (2015). Secondary Traumatic stress and the child welfare professional. Texas State Parenthood Collaboration Conference.
McCormick, A. (2015). Creating safe spaces for LGBTQ clients. National Association of Social Workers South Plains Branch Annual Meeting, Lubbock, TX.
McCormick, A. (2015). Social work ethics and childhood trauma. Child Abuse and the Law Annual Conference, El Paso, TX.
McCormick, A. Terrazas, S., Lusk, M. & Moore, J. (2015) Empowering approaches to working with substance abusing teens. University of Texas at El Paso Title IV-E Child Welfare Training Parntership, El Paso, TX.
McCormick, A. (2014). Creating affirming environments of sexual minority youth in foster care. University of Texas at Arlington Center for Child Welfare, Arlington, TX.
McCormick, A & Schmidt, K. (2014). Foster family acceptance: Implications for practice and policy. University of California Berkeley Center for the Study of Social Policy.
McCormick A. & Schmidt, K. (2014). Creating safe and affirming placements for youth in foster care. University of Texas at El Paso, Title IV-E Child Welfare Training Partnership, El Paso, TX.
McCormick, A. (2014). Recognizing resilience: Empowering approaches to working with traumatized youth. New Mexico Family and Child Welfare Training Project, New Mexico State University, Albuquerque, NM.
Terrazes, S. & McCormick, A. (2014). Evidence based group intervention strategies. University of Texas at El Paso Continuing Education Workshop, El Paso, TX.
McCormick, A. (2014). Trauma informed interventions for foster parents. University of Texas at El Paso, Title IV-E Child Welfare Partnership Training, El Paso, TX
McCormick, A. (2014). Trauma informed child welfare practice for caseworkers. University of Texas at El Paso, Title IV-E Child Welfare Partnership Training. El Paso, TX.
McCormick, A. (2014). Sexual orientation and child maltreatment. Queer Leadership Summit, El Paso, TX.
McCormick, A. (2026). The child welfare professional and the unfinished business of childhood, Children’s Voice.
McCormick. A. (2026). Foster care repeats rejection for LGBTQ+ youth in Texas, The Texas Observer.
https://www.texasobserver.org/author/adam-mccormick/
McCormick, A., (2026). The fear behind the word “no”: Relearning boundaries in social work practice. The New Social Worker. https://www.socialworker.com/feature-articles/practice/fear-behind-no-relearning-boundaries-social-work/
McCormick, A. (2026). Teaching From the Wound: Trauma-Informed Supervision and the Hidden Curriculum of Helping. Social Work Today
McCormick, A. (2025). The transformative power of righteous anger in times of despair. Intersections in Practice, NASW Press.
McCormick, A. (2025). How Childhood Trauma Shapes the Lives and Work of Social Workers, The New Social Worker
McCormick, A. (2025). Supporting Children of Undocumented Parents: A Trauma-Informed Approach for Social Workers. Intersections in Practice, NASW Press
McCormick, A. (2020). Invisible car seats: Examining our implicit bias, Clinician’s Corner, p 7-9.
2028 Robert Foster Cherry Award for Great Teaching Nominee
2026 Minnie Stevens Piper Professor Award ($5,000)
2026 School of Behavioral and Social Sciences Faculty Research Award (Nowhere to Belong: Exploring Vulnerability Experiences of LGBTQ+ Youth in Group Homes)
2026 Presidential Excellence Research Grant ($5,000)
2024–2025 Distinguished Teaching Award, St. Edward’s University ($3,000)
2022–2023 Research Sabbatical, St. Edward’s University
2021–2022 Faculty Anchor Award
2019 Richard Hughes Teaching Excellence Award
Human Behavior and the Social Environment I
Families and Intimate Relationships
Introduction to Social Work
Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families
Race, Class and Gender
Advanced Treatment of Childhood Trauma (MAC Program)
Trauma Informed Practice with Children and TeensChild Abuse and Neglect
Trauma-Informed Child Welfare Practice
Masculinity: Power and Privilege
Freshman Seminar: Authenticity and Belonging