Well-seasoned in corrections and our industry, Dr. Andrade comes to us with decades of Correctional Mental Health experience both in clinical and leadership positions. Dr. Joel Andrade earned the degrees of Master of Clinical Social Work with a concentration in Forensic Social Work, and Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Social Work with a concentration in Forensic Social Work, both from the Boston College Graduate School of Social Work in Massachusetts. He is licensed as an Independent Clinical Social Worker in both Massachusetts and Florida. Leading by example and inspiring others, Dr. Andrade is committed to advancing the field of corrections and providing better outcomes for individuals in the justice system. In 2021, Dr. Andrade was among the first to be recognized with the Edward A. Harrison Award for Excellence in Correctional Health Care Leadership from the National Commission on Correctional Health Care.

Dr. Andrade has been a Co-Principal Investigator for research funded by the National Institute of Health and National Institute of Mental Health, “Effectiveness of Interpersonal Therapy for men and women prisoners with major depression,” (2011-2014) and the author of Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles, Books and Book Chapters, to include the topics of recovery in correctional settings, violence risk assessment and risk management, and alternatives to segregation. He has been qualified and testified as an expert witness in district and federal courts throughout the country specific to violence risk assessment, suicide risk assessment, the need for hospitalization as well as the treatment of gender dysphoria. He is a Member of the National Association of Social Workers, the National Organization of Forensic Social Workers, and the American Correctional Association.