Dr. Brett S. Rayford, PsyD, MBA

Media Releases

Connecticut Psychologist Combines 35 Years of Experience with a Passion for Holistic Approaches to Mental Health

Dr. Rayford, an esteemed clinical psychologist with over 35 years of leadership experience, has made significant contributions to the fields of mental health, substance abuse treatment, juvenile justice, and child welfare. Currently serving as an Integrated Medicine Clinical Psychologist and Behavioral Science Faculty at Middlesex Health, he has dedicated his career to understanding and addressing the complexities of human behavior across the lifespan

Dr. Rayford was born in Ohio, where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Counseling and Clinical Psychology from the University of Cincinnati. He holds a Psy.D. from Wright State University. His journey took him to New Haven, Connecticut, to complete his pre and post doctoral fellowships in clinical psychology at Yale University School of Medicine where he pursued his passion for depth psychology and object relations theory. Following completion of his fellowships, Dr. Rayford was promoted to Assistant Professor at Yale. Later, he obtained an MBA in Healthcare Administration from the University of Hartford. He is a licensed psychologist in Connecticut. Over the years, he integrated  culturally competent and gender specific interventions into his practice, teaching and consulting. 

Dr. Rayford spent over 20 years in pivotal roles in Connecticut’s Department of Children and Families (DCF), where he has served as the Director of Treatment Services, Bureau Chief for Juvenile Justice and for Adolescent and Transitional Services, and Director of Adolescent and Juvenile Justice Services. His leadership has been instrumental in developing programs that address the unique needs of youth in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems.

Before his tenure at DCF, he directed Health, Mental Health, and Addiction Services for the Connecticut Department of Correction, overseeing treatment for a statewide inmate population of 20,000. His earlier roles at Yale University and the Connecticut Mental Health Center further solidified his expertise in mental health.

Dr. Rayford serves as an expert witness on court cases; is a mental health consultant in multiple jurisdictions and he has published numerous articles in academic journals. 

Outside of his professional life, Dr. Rayford enjoys traveling with his sons and exploring Connecticut’s biking trails. His passion for adventure and family underscores his belief in the importance of mental well-being and community connection.

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