Dr. Helfand is a licensed psychologist with extensive experience in the field of correctional mental health. Currently serving as a Senior Expert and Vice President with Falcon, he has held a variety of influential roles in clinical and operational settings throughout his career. Dr. Helfand most recently served as the CEO/Executive Director of the Bleuler Psychotherapy Center in New York from 2015 to 2023. In this capacity, he demonstrated exceptional leadership by overseeing all aspects of a large-scale community behavioral health organization and concurrently served as Co-Chair of the Board of Directors for Behavioral Health NYC IPA. Dr. Helfand’s collaborative approach and statewide advocacy led to the establishment of partnerships with various referral sources and government agencies, enhancing community linkages and promoting holistic care.

Dr. Helfand has a 30-year career working with the justice-involved and within correctional settings. As Senior Vice President of Operations for Correct Care Solutions, he developed and oversaw mental health and health programs within city and county jails throughout the east coast. In this capacity, he managed a substantial budget of over $140 million and a dedicated staff of more than 400 employees across more than 25 jail systems. Dr. Helfand has also served as the Statewide Director of Mental Health for all Connecticut jails and prisons, Deputy Director / Acting Director of Mental Health at Rikers Island jails, Director of Forensic Mental Health at Nassau County Correctional Center, and Director of Mental Health / Health Service Administrator at the New York City Department of Juvenile Justice. He has worked as a Psychologist for the New York City Department of Correction conducting psychological evaluations for the Applicant Investigation Unit and played a crucial role in assessing candidate suitability and fitness for correction officer employment to promote optimal recruitment.

Throughout his career, Dr. Helfand has been involved in shaping correctional mental health practices and sharing his expertise through expert consultation and teaching engagements. His contributions include serving as a correctional mental health consultant to NCCHC Resources, Inc. and Falcon, Inc., and providing expert guidance and testimony on correctional behavioral health issues. Dr. Helfand was a significant contributor to the inaugural NCCHC Standards for Mental Health Services and taught those standards for over 10 years. He has also published and presented on topics including self-injury and behavioral management planning in jails and prisons. Dr. Helfand’s dedication to the field is exemplified by his involvement in professional organizations such as the Academy of Correctional Health Professionals where he twice served as Board Chair, and his active participation in various national and local boards and committees. Dr. Helfand has extensive experience and documented success in policy development, program development, staff training, and implementation secondary to federal and local consent decrees / settlement agreements. With a strong commitment to correctional mental health and a wealth of experience, Dr. Helfand continues to make a significant impact in the field, promoting compassionate care and innovative approaches to support individuals and staff within the criminal justice system.