Jonathan Morgenstern, Ph.D. is a Professor of Psychology in the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, and is the Principal Investigator and a therapist for the study. He received his Doctorate in clinical psychology from New York University in 1987. He has authored or co-authored over 50 articles, books, and book chapters on the treatment of alcohol and other substance abuse, and has served on local, state, and national advisory panels related to substance abuse treatment and research. Dr. Morgenstern’s work with the gay/bisexual community in New York spans nearly 10 years.

Alexis Kuerbis, LCSW is Project Director and a therapist for the study. She is a substance abuse specialist with more than 12 years experience in a variety of clinical, public health and social services settings, including those that specialize in working with the LGBT community. Ms. Kuerbis is a doctoral candidate in clinical social work at New York University. She is also an adjunct faculty member at St. Joseph's College of New York in Brooklyn and at New York University's Silver School of Social Work.

Svetlana Zilberman, B.S., is the Assessments Coordinator and a research assistant for Project SMART. She graduated with a degree in Psychology from Fordham University in May 2006, and is interested in pursuing a doctoral degree in clinical psychology.

Bram Heidinger, BA, is a research assistant on the study. He graduated with his Bachelor's Degree from New York University in 2001, and plans to pursue a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.

Laura Travaglini, MA (therapist), acquired her master’s degree in 1987 and has worked as a clinician since that time in psychiatry and the chemical addictions. She has extensive experience as a research therapist and supervisor addressing chemical addictions and HIV risk with gay/bisexual men as well as other populations. Additionally, she serves as a trainer for research therapists and clinicians at various agencies throughout New York City. She also serves as the substance abuse coordinator at Columbia Psychiatric Associates in Manhattan.

Brett Hagman, M.A. is a research associate with Project SMART. He is currently working towards his Ph.D. in Behavioral Sciences in a joint program with Rutgers and the UMDNJ-School of Public Health and obtained a masters degree in Clinical Psychology, with a specialization in substance abuse treatment, from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Mr. Hagman has over 8 years experience in the alcohol treatment field with a specific research focus on identifying specific active ingredients that underlie treatments for alcohol use disorders as well as examining the validity of self-reports for alcohol and other drug use.

Katherine Schaumberg, BA, is the treatment coordinator and a research assistant on the study. She received her degree in psychology in 2007 from Trinity University in San Antonio, TX, and plans to pursue a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.

Katie MacLennan, PhD, is a therapist for the study. She also works as a psychologist at Columbia Medical Center's psychiatric inpatient unit, with patients who are in acute states of mental ilness or going through alcohol and drug detoxification. She received her Doctorate in clinical psychology from City University of New York in 2008. She has worke d with adults from varied backgrounds in a number of treatment settings and is trained in dynamic, cognitive behavioral and systems approaches to working with individuals and families who struggle with substance abuse related issues.

Lisa Hail , BA, is a research assistant on the study. She received her Bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Colorado in Boulder, CO.