Sayed Jafar Ahmadi, PhD
Biography
Dr. Sayed Jafar Ahmadi is a psychologist, trauma researcher, and humanitarian scholar whose work focuses on trauma recovery, resilience, refugee mental health, and psychosocial interventions in conflict-affected communities. He is affiliated with Bard College, The New School, and Monash University. Over the past two decades, he has contributed to psychological education, trauma research, and humanitarian interventions across Afghanistan and internationally. He is considered one of the pioneers of clinical psychology education in Afghanistan and is the founder of Behrawan Research and Psychological Services Organization. His work includes developing evidence-based interventions such as METRA+ and Memory-Focused Therapy (MFT) for war-affected adolescents. Dr. Ahmadi has collaborated with several international universities and has published in leading journals including JAMA Network Open and American Psychologist. In recognition of his humanitarian and scientific contributions, he received the 2024 APA International Humanitarian Award.
“I believe psychological research should not remain only in journals — it should improve real lives in communities affected by conflict, displacement, and crisis.”
Academic Background
Dr. Sayed Jafar Ahmadi earned his Ph.D. in General Psychology from the University of Isfahan, Iran. He developed Afghanistan’s first Clinical Psychology curriculum, which led to the establishment of the country’s first Clinical Psychology Department in 2011. He also contributed to the development of counseling psychology programs at Kabul University, Herat University, and Kabul Education University in collaboration with Hunter College (CUNY) and other international partners.
Professional Experience
Dr. Ahmadi is a trauma researcher, humanitarian scholar, and founder of Behrawan Research and Psychological Services Organization. He currently serves as a Research Scholar at Bard College, a Visiting Scholar at The New School, and an Adjunct Senior Research Fellow at Monash University, Australia.
His work focuses on trauma recovery, resilience, refugee mental health, and psychosocial interventions in humanitarian settings. He has collaborated with international universities and serves as a Topic Editor and reviewer for several academic journals.
Honors & Awards
Recipient of the 2024 APA International Humanitarian Award in recognition of contributions to trauma research, humanitarian mental health, and psychosocial support in conflict-affected communities.
Dr. Ahmadi has collaborated with international institutions including Bard College, Monash University, Hunter College, The New School, and the University of Bedfordshire.