Dr. Jessica Gerfen is the CEO of the St. Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute.  Take a moment to learn about her.

Professional Excellence:

• Innovative Leadership in Clinical Practice: As CEO of St. Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute (SLBMI), Dr. Jessica Gerfen has consistently demonstrated a commitment to professional excellence. 
• • She has spearheaded initiatives to enhance clinical practice through continuing education programs focusing on cutting-edge areas like self-compassion, telehealth, and suicide risk management.
  • Dr. Gerfen prioritizes the professional development of others, as evidenced by her support of SLBMI's Professionals Training Program, which offers valuable free training to behavioral health professionals.

Leadership and Mentorship:

• Active Leadership in Professional Organizations: Dr. Gerfen actively engages in leadership roles within our profession. 
• • She currently serves as President-Elect-Elect-Elect of the Missouri Psychological Association, demonstrating her commitment to advancing the interests of our members.
  • In 2024, she tirelessly advocated for the protection and parity of audio-only telehealth services, making several trips to Jefferson City to testify in support of this crucial legislation.
• Mentorship and Collaboration: Dr. Gerfen fosters a collaborative and supportive environment within SLBMI, encouraging the professional growth of her colleagues.

Community, Innovation & Impact:

• Significant Community Contributions: Dr. Gerfen has made significant contributions to the broader community through her work in psychology. 
• She co-launched ConnectED, a free annual nationwide training conference on Eating Disorders that provides valuable resources and education to professionals across the country.
• Recognizing the importance of advocacy, she established an internal "Advocacy Opportunity Alerts" system within SLBMI, empowering staff to participate in policy initiatives that impact patient care actively.

GET TO KNOW DR. GERFEN IN 3 QUESTIONS
(and a bonus "something you may not know"!)