Rajeev Ramchand

Rajeev Ramchand is a senior behavioral scientist at the RAND Corporation, codirector of the RAND Epstein Family Veterans Policy Research Institute, and professor of policy analysis at the RAND School of Public Policy. His work spans mental health, suicide prevention, veteran and military health policy, substance use, and community resilience in the aftermath of disasters.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Psychiatric Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
• B.A. in Economics, University of Chicago

Ramchand’s research focuses on suicide prevention, particularly among veterans and military populations, mental health policy, caregiving, and the public health impacts of disasters and violent extremism. He has led major evaluations of suicide prevention campaigns, gatekeeper training, and crisis services. His work also explores the role of psychedelics in mental health and policy responses to gun-related suicide. His publications span epidemiology, behavioral science, and health policy, with a strong emphasis on translating research into actionable public health strategies.

His recent scholarly output shows a consistent focus on veteran mental health, suicide prevention programming, community-based interventions (e.g., libraries as mental health hubs), disaster recovery, and substance use among vulnerable populations. These works reflect a multidisciplinary approach integrating epidemiology, policy analysis, and program evaluation.

Scientific Awards and Leadership Roles:

• Appointed Member, DoD Suicide Prevention and Response Independent Review Committee (2022)
• Chair, VA National Research Advisory Council
• Co-chair, Face the Fight Scientific Advisory Committee
• Member, National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention Executive Committee
• Member, National Suicide Prevention Lifeline LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee
• Member, National Academies Committee on Mental Health Effects of Toxic Exposures Among Veterans
• Testified before Congress five times on veteran and military mental health

Ramchand has advised federal agencies including the Department of Defense and the California Mental Health Services Authority. He has led major evaluations of suicide prevention programs, crisis lines, and community interventions. His work has informed legislative and policy changes, including Senator Patty Murray’s amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act. He is actively involved in shaping national suicide prevention strategy and improving care for military caregivers.

Labs and Research Teams:

• Codirector, RAND Epstein Family Veterans Policy Research Institute
• Senior Behavioral Scientist, RAND Corporation
• Contributor to RAND’s Gun Policy in America initiative
• Leader in disaster mental health and community resilience research
• Developer of the RAND Program Evaluation Toolkit for Countering Violent Extremism