Thomas L. Patterson

Thomas L. Patterson is a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego, within the Faculty of Health Sciences. He has dedicated his career to psychosocial and behavioral research focused on HIV+ and at-risk populations since 1989.

His research interests include:

• Behavioral interventions to reduce HIV/STI transmission
• Public health strategies for methamphetamine users
• Global health studies in Mexico and India
• Implementation science for HIV prevention
• Substance abuse and sexual health

Dr. Patterson has led NIH-funded studies across the U.S., Mexico, and India, with a focus on marginalized populations such as sex workers and their clients. He is currently investigating HIV transmission networks among MSM in Tijuana and developing text-messaging interventions to promote safer-sex behaviors.

With over 550 publications, he co-founded the journal AIDS and Behavior and has served on numerous scientific review panels and advisory committees.