Experience, Education & Training
Clinical Experience
Diverse Clinical Settings
Dr. Messer's clinical experience spans various settings, ensuring comprehensive clinical competence. He has provided services in:
University & academic medical center clinics: Child and adult anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and depressive/bipolar disorders
Military medical centers: Walter National Military Medical Center, Washington, DC: Active Duty & Reserve Component service members
Public schools & & Head Start Centers: Child and family services and consultation
State psychiatric hospitals: Care for patients with severe and persistent mental illness
Psychiatric hospital emergency room/department: Crisis assessment, intervention, and referral
Group practices and solo private practices: Individual, couples, and family psychotherapy
Education and Training
Extensive Academic Background
Dr. Messer's academic training and experience is broad, ensuring comprehensive knowledge and understanding of science and practice, including:
North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC: BS in Ornamental Horticulture.
University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS: Clinical Psychology PhD in Clinical Psychology
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center & Western Psychiatric Hospital & Clinics: APA-accredited predoctoral Internship
Postdoctoral Fellowships and clinical research training included three National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) National Research Service Awards:
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Western Psychiatric Hospital and Clinics: Clinical research training and long-term psychotherapy
Duke University & University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences & Sheps Center Health Services Research: Developmental epidemiology and services research
George Washington University & Children's National Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Washington DC: Developmental psychopathology and behavioral genetics
Faculty and Clinical Research Positions
Dr. Messer has held various academic appointments and clinical research positions, including:
Assistant Professor in Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
Research Associate in Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, George Washington University School of Medicine & Children’s National Medical Center, Wash., DC
Assistant Professor in Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Uniformed Services University for the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD
Interim Director of Psychological Health & TBI, Defense Centers of Excellence, Department of Defense, Silver Spring, MD
Associate Professor in Clinical & School Psychology, College of Psychology, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL
His clinical research interests include the developmental epidemiology of mental disorders and treatment efficacy of therapies for anxiety, traumatic, and depressive disorders in youth and adults. He has published and authored over 150 scientific articles, chapters, and presentations.
Professional Memberships and Interests
Professional Affiliations
Dr. Messer is a member of several professional organizations, including:
American Psychological Association (APA)
American Psychopathological Association (Fellow) (APPA)
International Society of Traumatic Stress (ISTSS)
National Register of Health Service Psychologists (NRHSP)
Personal Interests
Outside of his professional work, Dr. Messer enjoys spending time in nature walking/hiking, landscape gardening, biking, and snorkeling. He is passionate about music and loves playing the guitar. He cherishes the adventures of his children - Rachel, Hannah, and Jordan - whose joyful living and resilience fill him with pride.