Doctoral candidate at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, currently at the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Metrocare for his American Psychological Association accredited internship.
Jack's research addresses why many service members and veterans are reluctant to engage with mental health treatments (while active and post-discharge) and how to get them into services. Military operators and those post-separation both require an accurate understanding and appreciation of identity and context (role, purpose, community), and treatments should be tailored with this in mind.
A current focus is on developing community-based, culturally relevant interventions that serve veterans “where they are,” consistent with the Department of Veterans Affairs' Whole Health model. Since those least likely to seek care are among the most vulnerable to psychiatric symptoms and suicidal behavior, engagement is key to prevention; Complementary and Integrative Health (CIH) programs may help fill this gap and serve as on-ramps to care for this group.
A single-arm longitudinal pilot study of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a mental health intervention for combat veterans with military-connected disabilities
Kaufman JR, Evans WR, Haley RW, Cullum CM
Open Access Preprint →
Smartphone-based cognitive assessment in older adults with depression: Feasibility and task performance using ecological momentary assessment
Kaufman JR et al.
Read Article →"Performance Without Limits: Strategies for Mind, Body, and Mission"
A one-day summit on brain health, mental health, care delivery, and suicide prevention for veterans, service members, and military families, held as part of MCON Live 2026.
Event Details →
We Defy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training scholarships to combat veterans coping with military-connected disabilities. Jack leads the foundation's research program, studying whether and how community-based training affects engagement, social connection, and day-to-day functioning among veterans who are frequently not reached by conventional mental health services.
Adjustment to acute medical illness & injury
Ultra abbreviated interventions
Focused ACT (acceptance & commitment therapy)
Brief action planning (BAP) & motivational interviewing
