Postdoctoral Fellow, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
Dr. Ophir Katzenelenbogen is a clinical psychologist and interdisciplinary researcher whose work spans social, developmental, and health psychology. A postdoctoral fellow at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, he focuses on dyadic goal dynamics, mindfulness-based interventions, and mental health prediction models for adolescents. He holds a PhD in Psychology from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, where he investigated interdependence in couples’ goal pursuits. Dr. Katzenelenbogen has collaborated with top international research labs, such as the REACH Lab at the University of Southern California, and has authored peer-reviewed publications in Q1 journals. With clinical experience in psychiatric settings, psychotrauma centers, and psychodynamic therapy, he bridges empirical science with real-world therapeutic applications. His leadership, community involvement, and service in the IDF further highlight a career grounded in resilience, compassion, and innovation. He is currently developing ecological, personalized interventions that aim to transform how cognitive and emotional health is supported across diverse populations.
Profile
🎓 Education
Dr. Ophir Katzenelenbogen’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Education from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (2013–2016), where he graduated with distinction (94.03 GPA). He continued to pursue a Master’s degree in Psychology at Ruppin Academic Center (2016–2018), earning a weighted GPA of 91.54 and an exceptional thesis score of 93. For his PhD (2018–2024), also at Ben-Gurion University, he explored “Dyadic Interdependence in Goal-Dynamics” under Prof. Eran Bar-Kalifa and achieved a remarkable coursework GPA of 95.5. Currently, he is a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Psychology at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, mentored by Dr. Gal Lazarus. His education reflects a unique integration of psychological science, clinical training, and applied methodology, forming a strong foundation for innovative research in behavioral science, mindfulness, and predictive modeling in mental health.
💼 Professional
Dr. Katzenelenbogen’s clinical and research experience is rich and multidimensional. He has completed residencies in psychiatric hospitals and youth villages, including “Hillel Yaffe” Medical Center and “Talpiot” Youth Village, where he delivered psychological interventions to diverse populations. Since 2022, he has served as a clinical evaluator at “Metiv”—Israel’s Center for the Treatment of Psychotrauma—and contributed to MDMA-assisted psychotherapy trials for the MAPS organization. His research experience includes collaborations with Prof. Telma Handler on trauma neuroscience and interventions for seniors. He led mindfulness groups during his MA and postdoctoral research and was a visiting scholar at the REACH Lab, USC. His service in the Israeli Army included roles focused on education and inclusion of special populations. This blend of academic rigor, clinical sensitivity, and social outreach defines his forward-thinking, impact-driven professional profile.
🔬 Research Focus
Dr. Katzenelenbogen’s research lies at the intersection of dyadic psychology, cognitive intervention, and ecological mental health modeling. His doctoral work investigated how goal interdependence affects relational outcomes and motivation in couples, offering empirical insights into daily behavior coordination. He has since broadened his focus to include mindfulness-based interventions for seniors, cognitive functioning, and mental distress regulation. Currently, as a postdoctoral fellow, he is pioneering the development of predictive, data-driven models for adolescent mental health, using real-time ecological assessment tools. This approach is designed to enable personalized, transdiagnostic mental health care, moving beyond traditional static diagnoses. His research integrates behavioral data, psychological constructs, and digital delivery methods to promote adaptive functioning across the lifespan. His work is distinguished by methodological rigor, cross-cultural relevance, and a commitment to accessible, scalable interventions that respond to real-world psychological challenges.
📚 Publication Top Notes
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👩👧 The Moderating Effect of Maternal Modeling on Age-Related Decline in Children’s Physical Activity
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🧘♂️ Brief Mindfulness-Based Intervention for Seniors—An Exploratory Semi-Randomized Examination of Decentering Effects on Cognitive Functions and Psychological Distress