Dr. Denise Williams is a social and behavioral scientist who joined the Stanford Center for Dissemination and Implementation (Stanford CDI) in March 2025. Her research focuses on evaluating and developing mental health strategies and interventions for diverse populations, including community college students, single young adults, and people receiving care in behavioral treatment or substance use programs.

Prior to joining Stanford, Dr. Williams served as a Project Director in the Health Policy Department at UCSF, where she led NIH- and tobacco cessation-funded initiatives aimed at expanding services and reducing barriers to care for vulnerable populations in San Francisco County.

At Stanford CDI, Dr. Williams supports the CMHIS as a project coordinator, assisting with national workgroups, resource development, and working with bi-regional community partners to evaluate and enhance current practices in mental health implementation.