Dr. Jeffrey Swanson

Biography

Jeffrey Swanson is a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Duke University School of Medicine. He earned his Ph.D. in sociology from Yale University in 1985 and has extensive experience as a social scientist and researcher. His work focuses on building evidence for interventions, policies, and laws to improve outcomes for adults with serious mental illnesses and to reduce firearm-related violence and suicide. Swanson is the author of over 250 publications covering topics such as the social and environmental contexts of violence and mental illness, the effectiveness of involuntary outpatient commitment, and the implementation of psychiatric advance directives. His research group conducted empirical evaluations of risk-based temporary firearm removal laws in Indiana and Connecticut, contributing to the development of Extreme Risk Protection Order laws across various states. He has received several awards for his contributions to psychiatry and public health, including the 2020 Isaac Ray Award from the American Psychiatric Association and the 2011 Carl Taube Award from the American Public Health Association. In addition to his academic role, Swanson serves on the Executive Steering Committee of the Consortium on Risk-Based Firearm Policy and has provided expertise on gun violence to national media and policymakers at federal and state levels.

Research Interests

Experience

Awards