Dr. Florence Lewis, PhD, LMFT

Relationships & Health Researcher, Therapist

Dr. Florence Lewis, PhD, LMFT, is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a recognized relationship and health researcher. She is the founder of the Upside Health Research Network (UPHRN), a nonprofit organization launched in 2021 that aims to bridge the gap between research and clinical practice by helping healthcare providers measure and improve patient relational health outcomes. With a doctorate in Medical Family Therapy from East Carolina University, Dr. Lewis brings a systemic lens to healthcare, centering relationships as a key driver of holistic well-being.
 
Dr. Lewis began her career as a mental health clinician embedded in medical settings, working alongside physicians, nurses, and other providers to integrate social and emotional health into patient care. Her commitment to evidence-based interventions and culturally responsive care has made her a sought-after speaker and published author on the topics of relational health, diversity, and integrated care.
 
Through UPHRN, Dr. Lewis supports small to mid-sized health organizations in adopting AI and digital tools that track and improve relational outcomes in patient care. Her consulting work empowers clinics to move beyond traditional metrics and accurately capture the deeper social dynamics that efficiently influence health. She hosts a weekly podcast, "The Relational Health Report", that explores how relationships impact health across cultures and how healthcare providers can measure the impact of patient relationships on health outcomes. Outside of her research and consulting, Dr. Lewis maintains a thriving private practice, helping couples and individuals–particularly those navigating trauma–strengthen their relationships and emotional resilience.