Dr. Joel T. Andrade is a nationally recognized expert and leader in correctional behavioral health.  He has worked to elevate programs throughout the country, particularly developing, implementing, and managing alternatives to restrictive housing.  Leading by example and inspiring others, Dr. Andrade is committed to advancing the field of corrections and providing better outcomes for individuals in the justice system. In 2021, Dr. Andrade was recognized with the inaugural Edward A. Harrison Award for Excellence in Correctional Health Care Leadership from the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC). 

 Dr. Andrade has over 27 years of correctional behavioral health experience both in clinical and leadership positions. He earned the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Social Work with a concentration in Forensics from Boston College. He has worked as a direct care clinician, expert witness, clinical director of a state correctional health program, and as a private consultant.  

 Dr. Andrade is the author of peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters and regular presenter at national conferences on topics including psychopathy, violence risk assessment and risk management, suicide prevention and intervention, self-injury and behavioral treatment strategies, alternatives to restrictive housing, the treatment of gender dysphoria, and applying the recovery model in correctional settings. He is the editor of the Handbook of Violence Risk Assessment: New Approaches for Mental Health Professionals.  Dr. Andrade has been qualified and testified as an expert witness in district and federal courts throughout the country-specific to violence risk assessment, suicide risk assessment, the need for hospitalization as well as the treatment of gender dysphoria.  

 Dr. Andrade is on the Board of Trustees for Certified Correctional Professionals, a member of the Education Committee, and Co-Chair of the Committee on Anti-Racism in Correctional Healthcare for NCCHC.  In 2022, Dr. Andrade was elected to serve as a Mental Health Representative on the American Correctional Association’s (ACA) Delegate Assembly and has been a member of the ACA Behavioral Health Committee since 2016.