Jeffrey A. Thomas, PsyD
Associate Professor of Counseling
Department Chair Counseling & Psychology.
Telephone: 602-749-3164
Email: jeffrey.thomas@ottawa.edu
PsyD - Counseling Psychology - University of Northern Colorado
MA - Agency Counseling - University of Northern Colorado
BA - Psychology - University of Denver
Dr. Thomas is recognized internationally as an expert in the areas of youth firesetting and adult arson. He has consulted with both the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention and the National Association of State Fire Marshals to help establish standards of care for mental health interventions with youth firesetters. Through his consulting company, Psychological Fire Rescue, he has worked with numerous fire service and law enforcement agencies throughout the United States and Canada regarding critical incident stress management and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Dr. Thomas was in private practice for more than 12 years. He has also worked in numerous healthcare settings including hospitals, a state hospital, group homes, and residential treatment centers. He has held positions with both the City of Goodyear and City of Phoenix fire departments. Dr. Thomas also served as Interim Emergency Manager for the City of Goodyear. He is the co-author of Responding to Psychological Emergencies: A Field Guide and Case Studies for Emergency Responders: Psychosocial, Ethical, and Leadership Dimensions.
Dr. Thomas was formerly the Program Chair of Fire Administration at Arizona State University and Director of Fire Science at Estrella Mountain Community College. He is a member of and a Past President of the Arizona Psychological Association. He is the Chair of Youth Firesetter Intervention for National Fire Protection Association. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Arizona Psychology Training Consortium and the Board of Directors for the Arizona Fire & Burn Educators Association. Dr. Thomas was also a Senior Teaching Fellow with the Lincoln Center for Applied Ethics.