Emily R Edwards

Dr. Emily R Edwards is a licensed clinical psychologist and holds positions as Assistant Director of Education at VISN 2 MIRECC, Director of the James J Peters VAMC DBT for Justice-Involved Veterans Program, and Voluntary Clinical Instructor in the Department of Psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine. She earned her B.S. in Psychology from the University of Central Florida, M.A. in Forensic Psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, and M.Phil. and PhD in Clinical Psychology from City University of New York at John Jay College. Her clinical training includes a predoctoral internship at Yale School of Medicine/Yale-New Haven Hospital and a postdoctoral fellowship at the Department of Veterans Affairs, VISN 2 MIRECC.

Her research focuses on justice-involvement, suicide prevention, and personality disorders among military Veterans, emphasizing transdiagnostic interventions like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT-J) to reduce criminogenic risk and improve psychosocial functioning. Key interests include veteran mental health transitions, criminal-legal system engagement, and healthcare equity for justice- and military-involved populations.

Dr. Edwards’ recent work highlights trends in veteran suicide risk prediction, criminogenic factors, and disparities in mental health access. Her articles analyze interventions, policy impacts, and risk factors across diverse veteran populations. Current projects include refining DBT-J programs and evaluating VA mental health protocols for high-risk groups.

Consultation services include work with Veteran Benefits Association, NYC Department of Corrections, and problem-solving courts. She advocates for integrated care strategies addressing veteran reintegration challenges and systemic inequities.