Dr. Blake R. Harris, Austin

Dr. Blake Harris is a licensed clinical forensic psychologist and the Director of the Veterans Mental Health Department (VMHD) for the Texas Veterans Commission. He is responsible for the VMHD as it strives to advocate for service members, veterans, and their families (SMVF) and align competent, accessible, and local mental health resources. VMHD meets this charge by providing technical assistance and training on the unique needs of SMVF, and through coordinating efforts with federal, state, and community stakeholders. VMHD is comprised of the Justice Involved Veteran Program, Military Veteran Peer Network, Homeless Veteran Initiative, Veteran Provider Program, Community & Faith-Based Program, and the Veteran Suicide Prevention Program.

Prior to joining TVC, Dr. Harris oversaw the development and implementation of clinical services for underserved populations in secured-residential and community-based settings. He has led multidisciplinary teams in mental health and justice settings and participated in mental health specialty courts. He has also provided training and clinical supervision to pre-doctoral and post-doctoral clinicians and instructed graduate courses in forensic mental health risk assessment.