Dr. Sarah Meshberg Cohen

Biography

Sarah Meshberg-Cohen, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist with a background in behavioral medicine, specializing in the treatment of substance use disorders, chronic depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). She serves as the Director of the Outpatient Addiction Recovery Service at VA Connecticut Healthcare System. Her clinical practice employs evidence-based treatments including cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational enhancement, and cognitive processing therapy. Sarah's research is focused on improving evidence-based treatments for substance use disorders (SUD) that occur alongside psychiatric conditions, particularly in veterans who have experienced trauma. As the principal investigator, she is conducting a grant-funded randomized clinical trial to investigate the efficacy of written exposure therapy for veterans seeking treatment for SUD and comorbid PTSD. Additionally, she co-investigates trials examining cognitive processing therapy's impact on veterans in buprenorphine maintenance and PTSD. Her extensive research also explores the relationship between disability compensation for veterans and their engagement with mental health and substance use treatments, aiming to enhance the quality of care and life for veterans facing these challenges.

Research Interests

Awards