Medical Leadership

back to our team >

Our bench strength is in our extensive experience and team approach. We strive to facilitate each of our client’s needs through strategy, research, and collaboration.

Djouher

Hough, Psy.D.

Medical Director

Dr. Hough brings over 15 years of clinical psychology and research experience, specializing in schizophrenia, substance use disorders, major depressive disorder (MDD), and psychedelic research. With over a decade of experience as a licensed clinical psychologist, she has developed a strong career as both a treating clinician and researcher, known for her strategic contributions to clinical trial programs and her close collaboration with pharmaceutical companies on scientific synopses and protocol development. 

Dr. Hough has played pivotal roles in Phase 1-3 clinical trials for schizophrenia, contributing to three FDA approvals, including KarXT, Latuda, and Austedo. She has served as an investigator on key opioid use disorder studies, including Bioxcel Therapeutics’ Serenity trial and Indivior’s Sublocade. Her expertise in psychedelic research spans MDD, treatment-resistant depression, and PTSD, where she has advanced treatments through ketamine infusion trials and psilocybin research for the Usona Institute. 

In addition to her work in these areas, Dr. Hough has significant experience in Human Abuse Liability trials, where she has served as an investigator, protocol developer, and DSMB board member across several studies, including those examining the abuse liability of Lyrica and Gabapentin. She is also recognized for developing the Hassman Research Institute Cannabis Impairment Scale and has provided consultation on “go-to-clinic” strategies for NIDA, NINDS, and NIH grants. 

Dr. Hough earned her Psy.D. from LaSalle University in Philadelphia, PA, and her Master’s from Columbia University. Her extensive training in psychometric assessments and leadership in CNS research make her a valuable contributor to advancing innovative treatments in psychiatry and addiction.