Dr. V.J. Lair has over 25 years of experience as a licensed clinical psychologist and leader in the behavioral health field. Experience includes management, consultancy, supervision, training, lectures/workshops, program development and oversight, and direct provision of clinical and forensic services in a variety of settings.

Dr. Lair began her career with the Federal Bureau of Prisons, where she trained and served for five years before moving into community supervision (probation), followed by private practice. Raised as a military child, the appeal of working for the Department of Defense brought her to the Army’s Warrior Resiliency Program in 2011 and, ultimately, to serving as Regional Director of Psychological Health at the Army’s Regional Health Command – Central. She transitioned to the Defense Health Agency in 2020 to serve as the Director of Education & Training for the Behavioral Health Clinical Management Team. She has also assumed responsibility as the Behavioral Health Focal Point for the DHA Healthcare Delivery Inspection program.

Dr. Lair has directed and managed administrative and interdisciplinary clinical staff providing services in a variety of clinical and forensic settings. She has implemented and provided oversight for the widespread adoption of evidence-based practices. She has trained and supervised practicum students, pre-doctoral interns, post-doctoral fellows, and providers. She has provided leadership of interdisciplinary teams, problem-solving courts, and work groups; developed and authored policy and guidance; executed site visits and inspections to provide support and to ensure successful implementation and compliance with relevant regulations and guidance. She has served as subject matter expert for a variety of topics including military specific assessments and forensic evaluations, training and education development and implementation.

As the training lead for Behavioral Health, Dr. Lair supports the development of providers and staff who are well-equipped to build readiness and deliver exceptional clinical outcomes to those we are privileged to serve.