Bio:
Edward J. Alessi (Ph.D., 2010, Clinical Social Work, New York University; M.S, 2001, Social Work, Columbia University) is assistant professor of social work at Rutgers University. His scholarly and research interests include lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) mental health issues, advanced clinical assessment and diagnosis, and affirmative psychotherapy with LGB clients. His recent study compared the prevalence of PTSD between LGB and heterosexual individuals, and also examined whether acute non-traumatic events, such as ending a relationship, unemployment, miscarriage, homelessness, and separation from parents, were associated with PTSD-like disorder. Dr. Alessi has published scholarly articles related to HIV prevention, clinical practice, and Internet research methodologies. He has been teaching master's level social work courses since 2007. He was adjunct lecturer at the New York University Silver School of Social Work and the Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service. A clinical social worker for more than 10 years, he has worked primarily in outpatient mental health, and has been an independent practitioner since 2004.
Courses Taught:
- Clinical Social Work I
- Clinical Social Work II
- Psychopathology
Selected Recent Publications:
Alessi, E.J., Martin, J.I., Gyamerah, A., & Meyer, I.H. (in press). Prejudice events and traumatic stress among heterosexuals and lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals. Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma.
Alessi, E. J., Meyer, I. H., & Martin, J. I. (2011). PTSD and sexual orientation: An examination of Criterion A1 and Non-Criterion A1 events. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1037/a0026642
Martin, J.I., & Alessi, E.J. (2010). Stressful events, avoidance coping, and unprotected anal sex among gay and bisexual men. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 80, 293-301.
Alessi, E.J., & Martin, J.I. (2010). Conducting an Internet-based survey: Benefits, pitfalls, and lessons learned. Social Work Research, 34, 122-128.
Alessi, E.J. (2008). Changing directions in HIV prevention: The move toward a psychosocial model. Journal of Gay & Lesbian Social Services, 20(4), 273-287.