Mentioned in 16 documents. Roles: Psychologist at MCC New York who evaluated Epstein, U.S. Department of Justice/Federal Bureau of Prisons, Evaluator of inmate's mental health status, Provided definition of Psychological Observation, Authored a new procedural Memorandum for Psy Alert inmates
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Chief Psychologist is mentioned in documents or reporting related to the Epstein case. Being mentioned does not imply any wrongdoing, criminal conduct, or inappropriate behavior.
This dossier was generated by AI (Claude) from court filings, government releases, and other documentary sources in our database. It may contain errors or misattributions. Always verify claims against the linked source documents.
Background
The Chief Psychologist at the Metropolitan Correctional Center (MCC) in New York was identified in documents as Elissa R. Miller, Psy.D. She held the title of Chief Psychologist with the U.S. Department of Justice / Federal Bureau of Prisons, stationed at MCC New York, 150 Park Row, New York, NY 10007. According to her FBI interview (FD-302), her academic background includes a Bachelor's degree in Criminology, a Master's in Mental Health Counseling, a Master's in Clinical Counseling, and a Doctorate. She was previously a staff psychologist at East Jersey State Prison for two years, completed a one-year Post-Doctoral Fellowship, and undertook an internship at an inpatient/outpatient mental health treatment center.
As Chief Psychologist, Dr. Miller was in charge of the MCC Psychology Unit, which was responsible for conducting mental health evaluations and treatments of MCC New York inmates during the period Jeffrey Epstein was housed there in July and August 2019. She played a central role in decisions regarding Epstein's psychological monitoring, including the initial decision to place him on suicide watch, the subsequent transition to Psychological Observation, and the coordination of his mental health care with the National Suicide Prevention Coordinator from BOP's Central Office.
Dr. Miller was interviewed by the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (OIG) on October 27, 2021, as part of the official investigation into Epstein's death. She was not present at MCC on August 10, 2019, when Epstein was found dead; the Acting Chief Psychologist (identified in one document as Dr. K. Schlessinger) was notified at 7:40 am that morning. Following Epstein's death, Dr. Miller was involved in institutional responses and authored a new procedural memorandum for Psy Alert inmates to improve oversight and documentation.
Epstein Connection
Dr. Miller was the Chief Psychologist directly responsible for overseeing Jeffrey Epstein's mental health evaluation and monitoring at MCC New York from his arrival on July 8, 2019 until his death on August 10, 2019. She consulted with the National Suicide Prevention Coordinator on July 8, 2019 to determine that Epstein should be pre-emptively evaluated for suicide risk. She was involved in the decision to place Epstein on suicide watch, his subsequent transfer to Psychological Observation, and provided the formal definition of Psychological Observation that governed his monitoring status. She coordinated with the Associate Warden regarding suicide risk assessments for Epstein, communicated about his case via email, and forwarded clinical notes about his suicide attempt. She was later interviewed by OIG investigators and was involved in the institutional response and procedural reforms following Epstein's death.
Key Allegations(10)
The Chief Psychologist consulted with the National Suicide Prevention Coordinator from BOP's Central Office on July 8, 2019 and determined Epstein should be pre-emptively evaluated for suicide risk.
documentedThe Chief Psychologist would have been involved in the decision to terminate Epstein's suicide watch in July 2019, as such decisions can only be made by a trained member of the Psychology Department.
documentedThe Chief Psychologist relayed the National Suicide Prevention Coordinator's suggestion that housing Epstein with another sex offender in SHU would be a good idea, and stated she would speak with executive staff about the suggestion.
documentedThe Chief Psychologist defined Psychological Observation as a temporary designation for inmates who are mentally unstable but not imminently suicidal, distinguishing it from suicide watch.
documentedThe Chief Psychologist inquired about Epstein's mental capability to proceed with the disciplinary process on July 24, 2019.
documentedThe Chief Psychologist forwarded clinical notes regarding Epstein's suicide attempt on August 1, 2019.
documentedThe Chief Psychologist coordinated with the Associate Warden to ensure a suicide risk assessment would be conducted for Epstein upon his return from court, due to his high-profile case and potential bad news.
documentedThe Chief Psychologist authored a new procedural memorandum for Psy Alert inmates following institutional review of Epstein's case.
documentedA review of Special Housing Unit Records revealed a number of inconsistencies, prompting corrective actions including staff counseling, additional training, and changes to procedures.
documentedEpstein's signing of a new Last Will and Testament on August 8, 2019 was not known to MCC New York personnel and could have been a red flag for his mental state.
documentedLegal Status
The Chief Psychologist (Dr. Elissa R. Miller, Psy.D.) was interviewed voluntarily by the DOJ Office of the Inspector General on October 27, 2021 as part of OIG Case #2019-010614 regarding the death of Jeffrey Epstein. She was also interviewed by the FBI and AUSA on September 4, 2019. She is not known to have been charged with any crimes.
Notable Statements(3)
“The National Suicide Prevention Coordinator from Central Office, Dr. M, contacted me today about Epstein. He thought that housing him with another sex offender in SHU would be a good idea. I told him I would speak with the executive staff about his suggestion. Also, Dr thought it wise that we keep him down here for a bit (as is the plan already). I am heading to the hospital in about a half an hour or so. If you need me for anything, feel free to call my cell phone”
“Here are his notes.”
“For who? We need a HIPPA.”
Contradictions(3)
Epstein denied any psychology history or symptoms during his intake screening in SHU on July 8, 2019.
Despite Epstein's denials, the Chief Psychologist consulted with Central Office on July 8, 2019 and determined he should be placed on suicide watch and evaluated for suicide risk due to increased risk factors, indicating the psychology staff recognized risk independent of Epstein's self-report.
The Chief Psychologist was responsible for overseeing Epstein's mental health care at MCC.
On August 10, 2019, when Epstein was found dead, the Acting Chief Psychologist (Dr. K. Schlessinger) was notified at 7:40 am, indicating the Chief Psychologist was not present at the facility on the morning of Epstein's death.
Epstein's signing of a new Last Will and Testament on August 8, 2019 could have been a red flag for his mental state.
The new will was not known to MCC New York personnel, meaning the psychology staff, including the Chief Psychologist, were unaware of this potential warning sign.
Key Relationships(4)
Dr. Miller was the Chief Psychologist directly responsible for Epstein's mental health evaluation, suicide watch decisions, and psychological observation at MCC New York from July 8 to August 10, 2019.
Coordinated with the Associate Warden (Charisma Edge) regarding Epstein's suicide risk assessment, Psy Alert memo, changes to suicide watch procedures, and preparation for the reconstruction meeting.
Shirley V. Skipper-Scott (Associate Warden) was part of email chains discussing the definition of Psychological Observation provided by the Chief Psychologist and Epstein's housing arrangements.
Inmate Reyes, Efrain was assigned as Epstein's cellmate in SHU; the Chief Psychologist was involved in housing decisions including the recommendation to house Epstein with another inmate.
Timeline(15 events)
Epstein arrived at MCC New York and was seen by psychology services for intake screening in SHU. He denied any psychology history or symptoms. The Chief Psychologist spoke with the National Suicide Prevention Coordinator from BOP's Central Office and determined Epstein should be pre-emptively evaluated for suicide risk and placed on suicide watch.
Chief Psychologist completed a suicide risk assessment entry for Epstein.
Epstein was seen for a suicide risk assessment where he denied any suicide ideation, intention, or plan. Despite risk factors, protective factors were assessed as outweighing risk factors.
Epstein was placed on suicide watch. Inmate companion assumed duties from staff at 7 am.
Epstein was transferred from suicide watch to Psychological Observation at 8:45 am. Chief Psychologist inquired about Epstein's mental capability to proceed with disciplinary process.
Chief Psychologist emailed about the National Suicide Prevention Coordinator's recommendation to house Epstein with another sex offender in SHU; stated she would speak with executive staff about the suggestion.
Epstein's Psychological Observation ended at 8:15 am.
Chief Psychologist forwarded clinical notes regarding Epstein's suicide attempt after confirming HIPAA authorization.
Epstein signed a new Last Will and Testament, which was not known to MCC New York personnel including the psychology staff.
Court documents related to Epstein's defamation lawsuit released, leading to significant media coverage. Epstein spent most of the day in attorney conference rooms and returned to SHU around 6:45 pm.
Epstein found unresponsive in his cell at approximately 6:33 am. Acting Chief Psychologist (Dr. K. Schlessinger) was notified at 7:40 am, indicating the Chief Psychologist was not on duty.
Charisma Edge, Associate Warden, communicated with the Chief Psychologist regarding the Suicide Watch Chronological Log discrepancy (wrong log book used) and companion log documentation.
Chief Psychologist was interviewed by OIG Special Agent, AUSA, and FBI SA at the US Attorney's Office, Southern District of New York.
Psychological Reconstruction report regarding Epstein's death was completed and transmitted.
Chief Psychologist was voluntarily interviewed by OIG Special Agents at the OIG's New York Field Office as part of OIG Case #2019-010614.
At a Glance
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Document Mentions
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