MIRECC / CoE

VISN 1 New England MIRECC

The VISN 1 New England MIRECC aims to improve the clinical care of Veterans with substance use disorders (SUDs) by employing a biopsychosocial approach to SUD and comorbid/co-occurring conditions, including mental health and medical conditions and psychosocial issues. The VISN 1 MIRECC develops, evaluates, and disseminates evidence-based interventions, tests scientific theories, and proposes novel clinical programs along the full continuum of SUD care. Using this approach, we work to translate scientific findings from our research labs into practice within VA clinical programs across the nation to promote the recovery of Veterans with SUD and improve their quality of life. The major goals of the VISN 1 MIRECC are:

• (1) Advancing Understanding of SUDs. Through genetic, human laboratory, large-scale screening and survey studies, and the analysis of VHA data sets, we investigate the complex interplay of SUDs and co-occurring conditions to improve diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies.
• (2) Developing Innovative Treatments for SUD. We develop and rigorously evaluate innovative pharmacological and psychosocial interventions for SUDs across the NIH Stage Model (e.g., intervention generation, efficacy testing, and effectiveness evaluations).
• (3) Bridging the Gap between Research and Practice. We conduct implementation and dissemination research to optimize the delivery of effective SUD treatments and educational programming, including leveraging innovative technologies.
• (4) Cultivating Future SUD Clinician-Scientists. We recruit and train medical residents, psychology interns, practicum students, clinical fellows, and early-career scientists and encourage them to build SUD-focused careers in research and/or clinical care at the VHA.

Key Personnel

Mehmet Sofuoglu, M.D., Ph.D.
VISN 1 New England MIRECC Director
Phone: 203-937-4809
Email: Mehmet.Sofuoglu@va.gov  

Erin Reilly, Ph.D.
VISN 1 New England MIRECC Co-Director
Phone: 781-687-4191
Email: Erin.Reilly@va.gov 

Jay Gorman, Ph.D.
Director for Education
Phone: 781-687-4188
Email: Jay.Gorman@va.gov   

Richard Carson, LCSW
Administrative Officer
Phone: 203-932-5711 Ext. 4338
Email: Richard.Carson@va.gov  

VA Advanced Fellowship in Mental Illness Research and Treatment – Bedford Site

Brian Stevenson, Ph.D.
VISN 1 New England MIRECC Co-Director
Co-Director Psychology Fellowship – Bedford
Phone: 781-687-3919
Email: Brian.Stevenson4@va.gov

Victoria Ameral, Ph.D.
Co-Director Psychology Fellowship - Bedford
Phone: 781-687-3015
Email: Victoria.Ameral@va.gov

VA Advanced Fellowship in Mental Illness Research and Treatment – West Haven Site

Ilan Harpaz-Rotem, Ph.D.
Co-Director for MIRECC Fellowship Program – West Haven
Phone: 203-932-5711 Ext. 2599
Email: Ilan.Harpaz-Rotem@va.gov

Suzanne Decker, Ph.D.
Co-Director for MIRECC Fellowship Program – West Haven
Phone: 209-932-5711 Ext. 2599
Email: Suzanne.Decker@va.gov

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