Dr. Robert Powitsky, PH.D.
Dr. Powitzky received his PhD in clinical psychology from the University of Texas Health Science Center, Dallas, Texas. He served in his position of Chief Mental Health Officer of the Oklahoma Department of Corrections from 1999 until his retirement in July 2013. Dr. Powitzky has also been an Adjunct Professor in the University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.
His experience as a psychologist in the criminal justice system spans over forty-one years, twelve of those years in various positions for the Federal Bureau of Prisons, including as the Chief of Psychology Services for the entire Federal Bureau of Prisons. He has also served as Assistant Director, Health and Correctional Programs, in the Arkansas Department of Corrections.
Prior to his position in Oklahoma, Dr. Powitzky worked 15 years in his own private forensic psychology practice in Dallas, Texas, where he specialized in issues of sexual abuse, other trauma, substance abuse and violence. Dr. Powitzky has served as an expert consultant to over 18 prison and jail correctional systems, as well as various federal law enforcement, correctional and mental health agencies.
He has been elected to leadership positions in numerous professional organizations, has received numerous awards for his professional contributions, and has authored several professional publications and currently serves on the editorial boards of the Correctional Mental Health Report and Psychological Services.
Recent past honors include:
His experience as a psychologist in the criminal justice system spans over forty-one years, twelve of those years in various positions for the Federal Bureau of Prisons, including as the Chief of Psychology Services for the entire Federal Bureau of Prisons. He has also served as Assistant Director, Health and Correctional Programs, in the Arkansas Department of Corrections.
Prior to his position in Oklahoma, Dr. Powitzky worked 15 years in his own private forensic psychology practice in Dallas, Texas, where he specialized in issues of sexual abuse, other trauma, substance abuse and violence. Dr. Powitzky has served as an expert consultant to over 18 prison and jail correctional systems, as well as various federal law enforcement, correctional and mental health agencies.
He has been elected to leadership positions in numerous professional organizations, has received numerous awards for his professional contributions, and has authored several professional publications and currently serves on the editorial boards of the Correctional Mental Health Report and Psychological Services.
Recent past honors include:
- 2003 OPA Award for Distinguished Contribution by a Psychologist to Public Service
- 2006 Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Commissioner’s Bridge Builder Award
- 2007 OPA Distinguished Administration Citation
- 2008 The University of Tulsa Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program Outstanding Leadership in Training Supervision Award
- 2012 Council of State Governments Innovation Award for The Collaborative Mental Health Reentry Program.
