Sarah Meshberg-Cohen, PhD

Sarah Meshberg-Cohen, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist with a background in behavioral medicine, and specializes in the treatment of substance use disorders, chronic depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, and dual diagnosis. Dr. Meshberg-Cohen serves as the Director of the VACHS Outpatient Addiction Recovery Service and Program Manager of VACHS Addiction Firm. Her clinical work utilizes evidence-based treatments, including cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational enhancement, cognitive processing therapy, written exposure therapy, and interpersonal therapy including cognitive behavioral analysis system of psychotherapy (CBASP). Her research focuses on improving EBTs for substance use disorders and co-occurring psychiatric disorders. Dr. Meshberg-Cohen's clinical work and research treating individuals with co-occurring addictions and trauma has led to increased interest in improving treatment engagement and adherence for returning service members, resulting in research examining the role of PTSD C&P claims on Veterans’ overall treatment engagement, quality of life, and mental health outcomes. Her current work also examines the feasibility and acceptability of written exposure therapy for veterans seeking SUD treatment who present with comorbid PTSD.