EXPERIENCE
Key Achievements
• Founder of Nationally Recognized Programs: Developed and led multiple initiatives, including the UCSD Peer Substance Abuse and Evaluation Program and the Student Recovery Program. His innovative approach to student wellness earned these programs national awards and recognition.
• Renowned Motivational Interviewing Expert: Trained over 1,000 mental health and medical professionals in motivational interviewing, enhancing their therapeutic skills and effectiveness across various settings.
• Research and Consultation: Served as a consultant and adherence rater for research projects funded by organizations such as MAPS, NIH, NIAAA, and NIDA, contributing to the advancement of psychological treatments and interventions.
• Publications and Presentations: Authored numerous influential papers and presentations at national and international conferences, focusing on suicide prevention, motivational interviewing, and the integration of technology in mental health.
• Advocacy and Policy Influence: Played a key role in shaping mental health policies and practices within academic settings and beyond, advocating for programs that increase access to mental health services and reduce stigma.
Experience and Highlights
I am a clinical psychologist with specialties in Motivational Interviewing, college student mental health, substance use disorders, and suicide prevention. I have provided clinical supervision and training to a range of professionals in a variety of settings including the Veterans Administration and various colleges and universities. I have provided consultation to research initiatives in the areas of Motivational Interviewing and Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy, as well as conducting my own research and developing impactful initiatives in the areas of suicide prevention, veteran mental health, and substance abuse. I am also a motivational interviewing trainer who has successfully trained over 1,000 mental health and medical professionals. Finally, I have recently completed the MDMA Assisted Psychotherapy Training Course. And have served over 8 years as a Psychotherapy Adherence Rater consultant to MAPS for their Phase2 and 3 clinical trial of MDMA-AT.
Consultant/Trainer/Supervisor
2001-Present
Jerry Phelps & Associates
Scope: Provides professional supervision, training, and adherence consulting for various national research projects and motivational interviewing training sessions.
Clinical Director of CAPS
2019-2021
UC San Diego
Assistant Clinical Director
2016-2019
UC San Diego
Responsibilities:Managed student emergency mental health services, implemented a Brief Telephone Assessment system to enhance service accessibility.
Clinical Psychologist
2011-2016
UC San Diego
Director of Student Wellness Initiatives
2006-2011
UC San Diego
Achievements: Oversaw the development and fundraising for the UCSD Wellness Center, founded and award winning Student Wellness Center: The Zone and advocated for student well-being.