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Jarrod Leffler, PhD

Associate professor and chair, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychology

Specialties

Psychology

Call (804) 828-3137

Locations

Children's Pavilion

1000 East Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23219

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Virginia Treatment Center for Children (VTCC)

1308 Sherwood Avenue
Richmond, VA 23220

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Areas of interest

Mood disorders
Group therapy
Youth and family interventions
Outpatient, day-treatment and inpatient psychiatric hospitalization
Complex pediatric diagnostic services
Consultation liaison services

Bio

Jarrod Leffler, PhD, is a board certified child and adolescent psychologist. Dr. Leffler received his PhD in clinical psychology from Saint Louis University. He completed his internship at Harvard Medical School and the Children’s Hospital, Boston, and his fellowship in child and adolescent mood disorders at Ohio State University. Dr. Leffler is the Chair of the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychology and Associate Professor. 2022 American Psychological Association Division 53 Fellow

2024-present American Psychological Association Task Force for Serious Mental Illness and Severe Emotional Disturbance
2021-present Fellow of the American Psychological Association, Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology
2021-present Fellow of the Association of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapy
2021-2022 Guest Editor, Special Issue on Acute, Intensive, and Residential Treatment in Evidence-based Practice in Child and Adolescent Mental Health
2020-2023 Co-developer and co-chair of the Acute, Intensive, and Residential Service Special Interest Group (AIRS SIG)
2020-present Journal of Cognitive Psychotherapy Editorial Board
2017 and 2019 President of the American Board of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology (ABCCAP)
2016-present Evidence-based Practice in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Editorial Board
2015 and 2016 Chair of the Child and Adolescent Depression Association of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapy Special Interest Group.
Member American Psychological Association (APA) Division 53 Evaluation Committee and Practice Committee.
2016- Present National Network of Depression Centers (NNDC) Child and Adolescent Mood Disorders Interest Group
2018 -2021 American Psychological Association Commission for the Recognition of Specialties and Subspecialties in Professional Psychology (CRSSPP) Clinical Child Task Force
2017-2019 Clinical Child Psychology Council of Specialties of the American Psychological Association Development of Training Competences for Residency and Fellowship in Clinical Child and Pediatric Psychology Workgroup member.
2012-2019 Mayo Clinic Department of Psychiatry and Psychology Diversity and Inclusion liaison. Dr. Leffler has co-developed and published on diversity, equity and inclusion training models.
2020-2021 Associate Fellowship Director of the Child Psychology Fellowship at Mayo Clinic
2009-2011 Director of the Child Internship track at Nationwide Children’s Hospital

Awards:

2024 Distinguished Career Award for Practice and Training from the American Psychological Association Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology
2024 Distinguished Professional Contributions Award from the Acute, Intensive, and Residential Setting Special Interest Group of the Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology
2020 Distinguished Service for Diversity and Inclusion in Education Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic
2015 Distinguished Service for Diversity and Inclusion in Education Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic (inaugural award)
2015 Teacher of the Year (Psychology) Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic
2015 American Board of Professional Psychology Early Career Psychology Service Award (inaugural award)

Education

PhD Saint Louis University

Internship Harvard Medical School and the Children’s Hospital, Boston

Fellowship Ohio State University

Research interests

Mood disorders; health and wellness; sleep; models of care; emergency and acute psychological and psychiatric services; quality improvement; training and supervision; health engagement; postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS); concussions and sports injury; and integration of technology in mental health care

Publications

Peer-reviewed articles

Waitz, C. H., Wolff, J., Leffler, J.M., Thompson, A. D., Vaughn, A., Schuller, C.,Paden, S., Tebbett-Mock, A., Ugueto, A.M., Zlotnik, D., Esposito, C., Rajendranj, G., Hellmuth, J., Reynolds, E. (2024). Surveying Child and Adolescent Inpatient Psychiatric Units: Demographics, Policies, and Practice. Evidence-Based Practice in Child and Adolescent Mental Health, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1080/23794925.2024.2426178

Leffler, J.M., Azzopardi, D., Jensen, P.S., Croarkin, P.E., Cullen, K.R., Duffy, A., Klimes‑Dougan, B., Post, R.M., Vande Voort, J.L., Dineen Wagner, K., Wolf, D.V., & Galanter, C.A. (2024). Expert rater agreement for symptoms and diagnosis of bipolar disorder in youth. Child Psychiatry & Human Development. doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10578-024-01797-w

Moore, M.B., Gilrain, K., Brosig, C., Leffler, J.M., Gupta, S., & Fizur, P. (2024). Current landscape of psychologists in academic health centers: Roles and structural models. Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings. doi.org/10.1007/s10880-024-10040-6

Yuruk, D., Ozger, C., Garzon, J.F., Leffler, J.M., Shekunov, J., Vande Voort, J.L., Zaccariello, M.J., Nakonezny, P.A., & Croarkin, P.E. (2023). Sequential bilateral accelerated theta burst stimulation in adolescents with suicidal ideation associated with major depressive disorder: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial. PLoS One. Apr 13;18(4):e0280010. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280010. eCollection 2023. PMID: 37053246

Sun, A., Sullivan, A., Leffler, J., Hammond, C., Hulvershom, L., & Miller, L. (2023). Review of efficacy and safety of cannabidiol with a focus on children and adolescents in the treatment of psychiatric symptoms and disorders. Adolescent Psychiatry, doi: 10.2174/2210676613666230901143229

Leffler, J.M., Romanowicz, M., Brennan, E., & Elmaghraby, R. (2023) Integrated case presentation seminar (ICPS): Bridging two parallel fields to improve psychology and psychiatry learner experience and patient care. Child Psychiatry and Human Development, 4, 1-10. doi: 10.1007/s10578-023-01522-z.

Yuko Taniguchi, Y., Simon, S. Schlief, M., Houston, R., Orakwue, C., Collins, A.R., Ekstein, S.M., Schmidt, M.A., Bright, J., VanderWoude, C., & Leffler, J.M. (2023). Utilizing Creativity for Adolescents’ Recovery in Inpatient. Psychiatric Hospital (IPH). Children and Teenagers, 6(1), 24-47.

Thompson, A.D., Leffler, J.M., & Vaughn, A.J. (2022). Introduction to the Second Special Issue: Acute, Intensive, and Residential Services. Evidence-Based Practice in Child and Adolescent Mental Health 7, 399-402.

Athreya, A.P., Vande Voort, J.L., Shekunov, J., Rackley, S.J. Leffler, J.M., McKean, A.J., Romanowicz, M., Kennard, B.D., Emslie, G.J., Mayes, T., Trivedi, M., Wang, L., Weinshilboum, R.M., Bobo, W.V., & Croarkin, PE. (2022). Evidence for machine learning guided early prediction of acute outcomes in the treatment of depressed children and adolescents with antidepressants. Journal of Child Psychology & Psychiatry, 63, 1347-1358.

Taniguchi, Y., Schlief, M., Bright, J., Simon, S., & Leffler, J.M. (2022). Implementation of an expressive writing intervention for adolescents during inpatient psychiatric hospitalization. Adolescent Psychiatry, 12, 23-37.

Leffler, J.M., Vaughn, A.J., & Thompson, A.D. (2021). Acute, Intensive, and Residential Services (AIRS) for Youth: Introduction to Special Issue. Evidence-Based Practice in Child and Adolescent Mental Health, 6, 421-423, DOI:10.1080/23794925.2021.1996301

Leffler, J.M., Esposito, C.L., Frazier, E.A., Patriquin, M.A., Reiman, M.K., Thompson, A., & Waitz, C. (2021). Crisis Preparedness in Acute and Intensive Treatment Settings: Lessons learned from a year of COVID-19. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 60, 1171-1175.

Whiteside, S. P.H. O’Dell, S. M., Baker, A. M., Leffler, J. M., Sim, L. A., Harrison, N. L., Bieber, E. D., Kosmach, J. J., & Geske, J. R. (in press). Treatment Content and Sequencing for Newly Diagnosed Childhood Psychiatric Disorders in a Health System. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice.

Leffler, J.M., Zelic, K.J., Kruser, A.F., & Lange, H.J. (2021). Self and Parent Report of Sleep-based Interventions and Utilization of Technology Resources in the Treatment of Pediatric Mood Disorders. Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry. https://doi.org/10.1177/13591045211000104

Benjamin, J.Z., Heredia Jr, D., Han, T., Kirtley, A.T., Morrison, E.J., & Leffler, J.M.* (2021). Implementation of a cross-cultural simulation workshop: Feasibility and training satisfaction. Training and Education in Professional Psychology, 15, 45–53.

Gudiño, O.G., & Leffler, J.M. (2020). Championing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Ongoing Efforts and Future Directions in the American Board of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology. American Board of Professional Psychology, The Specialist, 47, 35-37.

Fristad, M.A., Bell, Z., Dopp, R. Ghaziuddin, N., Leffler, J.M., Schneck, C.D., Singh, M.K., Sullivan, A., Weinstein, S. & Miller, L. (2020). Letter to the Editor: Measurement Based Care in Youth: Feasibility and Acceptance. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology.

Sonmez, A.I., Lewis, C.P., Port, J.D., Cabello-Arreola, A., Blacker, C.J., Seewoo, B.J., McKean, A.J., Leffler, J.M., Frye, M.A., Croarkin, P.E. (2020). Glutamatergic Correlates of Bipolar Symptoms in Adolescents with Depression. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, 30, 599-605.

Leffler, J.M., & D’Angelo, E.J. (2020). Implementing evidence-based treatments for youth in acute and intensive treatment settings. Journal of Cognitive Psychotherapy, 34, 185-199.

Leffler, J.M., Junghans-Rutelonis, A.N., & McTate, E.A. (2020). Feasibility, Acceptability, and Considerations for Sustainability of Implementing an Integrated Family-Based Partial Hospitalization Program for Children and Adolescents with Mood Disorders. Evidence-Based Practice in Child and Adolescent Mental Health doi.org/10.1080/23794925.2020.1759471

Lewis, C.P., Port, J.D., Blacker, C.J., Sonmez, A.I., Seewoo, B.J., Leffler, J.M., Frye, M.A., & Croarkin, P.E. (2020). Altered anterior cingulate glutamatergic metabolism in depressed adolescents with current suicidal ideation. Translational Psychiatry, 10, Article number: 119.

Leffler, J.M. (2020). Editorial: Evaluating the clinical and financial outcomes of implementing dialectical behavior therapy on a psychiatric inpatient unit: A change in practice and culture. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 59, 40-42.

Whiteside, S.P., Leffler, J.M., Hord, M.K., Sim, L.A., Schmidt, M.M., & Geske, J.R. (2020). The compatibility of clinical child mental health treatment and evidence-based treatment protocols. Psychological Services, 17, 25-32.

Sattler, F.A., Leffler, J.M., Whiteside, S.P., Sim, L.A., Harrison, N., Bieber, E.D. (2019). The quality of assessments for childhood psychopathology within a regional medical center psychological services. Psychological Services, 16, 596-604.

Leffler. J.M., Junghans, A.N., McTate, E.A., Geske, J., & Hughes, H.M. (2017). An uncontrolled pilot study of an integrated family-based partial hospitalization program for youth with mood disorders. Evidence-Based Practice in Child and Adolescent Mental Health, 2, 150-164.

Zarate-Garza, P.P., Biggs, B.K., Croarkin, P., Morath, B. Leffler, J., Cuellar-Barboza, A. & Tye, S.J. (2017). How well do we understand the long-term health implications of childhood bullying? Harvard Review of Psychiatry, 25 (2), 89-95.

McTate E.A., & Leffler, J.M. (2017) Diagnosing disruptive mood dysregulation disorder: Integrating semi-structured and unstructured interviews. Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 22, 187-203.

Leffler, J.M., Harbeck-Weber, C., & Steele, R.G. (2016). Integrating board certification expectations and examinations practice into clinical child and pediatric psychology training programs. Evidence-Based Practice in Child & Adolescent Mental Health, 1, 51-59.

MacPherson, H., Mackinaw-Koons, B., Leffler, J.M., & Fristad M. A. (2016). Pilot effectiveness evaluation of community-based multi-family psychoeducational psychotherapy for childhood mood disorders. Couple and Family Psychology: Research and Practice, 5, 43–59.

Scola, G., McNamara, R.K., Croarkin, P.E., Leffler, J.M., Cullen, K.R., Geske, J.R., Biernacka, J.M., Frye, M.A., DelBello, M.P., & Andreazza, A.C. (2016). Lipid peroxidation biomarkers in adolescents with or at high-risk for bipolar disorder. Journal of Affective Disorders, 192, 176-183.

Leffler, J.M., Riebel, J., & Hughes, H.M. (2015). A review of child and adolescent diagnostic interviews for clinical practitioners. Assessment, 22, 690-703.

Leffler, J.M., Jackson, Y., West, A., Mccarthy, C, & Atkins, M (2013). Training in evidence-based practice across the professional continuum. Professional Psychology: Research & Practice, 11, 20-28.

MacPherson, H. A., Leffler, J. M., & Fristad, M. A. (2013). Implementation of multi-family psychoeducational psychotherapy for childhood mood disorders in an outpatient community setting. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy. Article first published online: 24 JAN 2013 DOI: 0.1111/jmft.12013

Leffler, J.M., Fristad, M.A. & Klaus, N.M. (2010). Psychoeducational psychotherapy (PEP) for children with bipolar disorder:Two case studies. Journal of Family Psychotherapy, 21, 269–286.

Fristad, M.A., Davidson, K.H., & Leffler, J.M. (2007).Thinking-feeling-doing: A therapeutic technique for children with bipolar disorder and their parents. Journal of Family Psychotherapy, 18, 81-103.

Books and chapters

Leffler, J.M., Thompson, A.D., & Simmons, S. (2024). Handbook of Evidence-Based Inpatient Mental Health Programs. Springer

Leffler, J.M., Thompson, A.D., & Simmons, S. (2024). The Function and Evolution of Child and Adolescent Inpatient Psychiatric Hospitalization. In J. M. Leffler, A. D. Thompson, & S. Simmons (Eds.) Handbook of evidence-based inpatient mental health programs for children and adolescents (pp 3-15). Springer Publishing Company.

Leffler, J.M., & Shekunov, J. (2024). Assessment and Treatment of Mood Disorders in Child and Adolescent Inpatient Mental Health Settings. In J. M. Leffler, A. D. Thompson, & S. Simmons (Eds.) Handbook of evidence-based inpatient mental health programs for children and adolescents (pp 277-295). Springer Publishing Company.

Leffler, J.M., Shekunov, J., & Judy, A. (2024). Integrating caregivers into inpatient psychiatric hospitalization treatment for children and adolescents: Strategies for navigating and engaging in services. In J. M. Leffler, A. D. Thompson, & S. Simmons (Eds.) Handbook of evidence-based inpatient mental health programs for children and adolescents (pp 335-357). Springer Publishing Company.

Hawks, J., Moore, M., & Leffler, J.M. (2024). Developing and engaging milieu staff on child and adolescent inpatient psychiatric units: Impact and management of staffing factors. In J. M. Leffler, A. D. Thompson, & S. Simmons (Eds.) Handbook of evidence-based inpatient mental health programs for children and adolescents (pp 135-154). Springer Publishing Company.

Thompson, A.D., Lovelace, J., Boetler, E., Bertollo, J., Ramasamy, R.S., Curry, G., Gallik, C., Wade, A., Castro, J., Simmons, S.W., & Leffler, J.M. (2024). Seclusion and restraint in inpatient psychiatry: History and best practices. In J. M., Leffler, A. D. Thompson, and S. Simmons (Eds.) Handbook of evidence-based inpatient mental health programs for children and adolescents (pp 81-101). Springer Publishing Company.

Thompson, A.D., Simmons, S., & Leffler, J.M. (2024). Future Directions in Inpatient Mental Health Care for Children and Adolescents. In J. M., Leffler, A. D. Thompson, and S. Simmons (Eds.) Handbook of evidence-based inpatient mental health programs for children and adolescents (pp 459-469). Springer Publishing Company.

Waitz, C., Westheimer, J., Leffler, J.M., & Patriquin, M.A. (2024). Disaster preparation and effects on inpatient psychiatric care. In J. M., Leffler, A. D. Thompson, and S. Simmons (Eds.) Handbook of evidence-based inpatient mental health programs for children and adolescents (pp 103-117). Springer Publishing Company.

Leffler, J.M. & Frazier, E. (Eds.) (2022). Handbook of Evidence-Based Day Treatment Programs for Children and Adolescents. Springer, Switzerland, AG.

Leffler, J.M., & Frazier, E. (2022). Introduction and Overview of Day Treatment Programs. In J.M. Leffler and E. Frazier (Eds.), Handbook of Evidence-Based Inpatient Psychiatric Hospitalization Programs for Children and Adolescents. Springer, Switzerland, AG.

Leffler, J.M., Schwartz, E., & Hayden, B. (2022). Program Development and Administration in Day Treatment Settings. In J.M. Leffler and E. Frazier (Eds.), Handbook of Evidence-Based Inpatient Psychiatric Hospitalization Programs for Children and Adolescents. Springer, Switzerland, AG.

Leffler, J.M., Zelic, K.J., Kruser, A. (2022). Child and Adolescent Integrated Mood Program. In J.M. Leffler and E. Frazier (Eds.), Handbook of Evidence-Based Inpatient Psychiatric Hospitalization Programs for Children and Adolescents. Springer, Switzerland, AG.

Rech,M.E., Lovelace, J., Kale, M., Leffler, J.M., & Patriquin, M.A. (2022). The History and Purpose of Day Treatment Programs. In J.M. Leffler and E. Frazier (Eds.), Handbook of Evidence-Based Inpatient Psychiatric Hospitalization Programs for Children and Adolescents. Springer, Switzerland, AG.

Leffler, J.M., Clarke, S. & Peris, T. (2022). Strategies to Navigate Day-Treatment Services and Follow-up Plans: A Guide for Families and Providers. In J.M. Leffler and E. Frazier (Eds.), Handbook of Evidence-Based Inpatient Psychiatric Hospitalization Programs for Children and Adolescents. Springer, Switzerland, AG.

Leffler, J.M. (2015). Nonpharmacologic treatments of psychiatric disorders. in K. D. Flemming & L.K. Jones (Eds.) Mayo Clinic Neurology Board Review Basic Sciences and Psychiatry for Initial Certification. Oxford University Press, New York.

Fristad, M.A., Goldberg Arnold, J.S. & Leffler, J.M. (2011). Psychotherapy for Children with Bipolar and Depressive Disorders. New York:Guilford Press.

Leffler, J.M., Young, M., & Fristad, M.A. (2008). Psychoeducation. In Encyclopedia of Counseling Psychology. Sage Publication, Inc.

Leffler, J.M., & Fristad, M.A. (2006). Mood disorders in children and adolescents. In T. G. Plate (Ed.), Abnormal psychology in the 21st century Vol I behavioral issues. Greenwood.

Fristad, M.A., Goldberg Arnold, J.S. & Leffler, J.M. (2011). Multi-Family Psychoeducational Psychotherapy (MF-PEP): Child Workbook. Columbus, OH:CFPSI Press.

Fristad, M.A., Goldberg Arnold, J.S. & Leffler, J.M. (2011). Individual-Family Psychoeducational Psychotherapy (IF-PEP): Child Workbook. Columbus, OH:CFPSI Press.

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Jarrod Leffler, PhD

Associate professor and chair, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychology

Locations

Areas of interest

Bio

Education

Research interests

Publications

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