Dr. Claude Ann Mellins

Dr. Claude Ann Mellins, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist with research and clinical expertise in psychosocial aspects of HIV disease, substance use, and stress and trauma in children, adolescents, young adults and families in the US and globally. She is a Professor of Medical Psychology (in Psychiatry and Sociomedical Sciences) at Columbia University, as well as a research scientist and co-director of the HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies in the Division of Gender, Sexuality, and Health at the New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University. She is also Co-Director of the Office of Clinical Psychology for psychologists functioning in clinical roles throughout Columbia University Medical Center. Over the past 26 years, Dr. Mellins he has been the Principal Investigator or Co-Investigator of a large number of foundation and federally-funded research projects based in the US and internationally examining neurodevelopment, mental health, and sexual and drug risk behavior in vulnerable population of children, adolescents, and young adults, particularly those affected by HIV, poverty and substance abuse. Her projects have also examined factors influencing medical adherence, sexual and drug risk behavior, and psychiatric functioning in HIV-infected and HIV-affected women and youth. In addition to her research, Dr. Mellins co-founded and co-directed the Special Needs Clinic at New York Presbyterian Hospital, one of the first and largest mental health clinics for women, children, adolescents and families affected by HIV, poverty and substance us.