Dr. Jeffrey Bates is the VCL Deputy Director for Crisis Operations.  He previously served as the Acting Director of Associated Health Education in the Office of Academic Affiliations for the Department of Veterans Affairs. In this role, he was responsible for the oversight of VA Health Professions Training programs in over 60 professions representing a budget of approximately $140 million.  He has also served as the Director of Psychology Training and Chair of the Coordinated Care Review Board at the North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System.   

Dr. Bates is a past Chair of the national VA Psychology Training Council.  He has held professional positions in the Ocala Community Based Outpatient Clinic (VA) as well as various positions within the Federal Bureau of Prisons, working in mostly high security facilities.  He received his doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology from The University of Georgia and was a doctoral intern at the Federal Correctional Complex in Butner, North Carolina with an emphasis in forensic psychology.  

Dr. Bates has published and presented in several areas, including suicide prevention and juvenile delinquency.  He previously served on the editorial board of Psychological Services, which is a publication of the American Psychological Association, Division 18 and was a Guest Editor of a past issue that highlighted research in the area of Justice Involved Veterans.