Richard Schobitz PhD, ABPP

As Director of Commissioned Corps Headquarters (CCHQ), Captain (CAPT) Rick Schobitz is responsible for directing all functions regarding personnel, administration, operations, readiness, deployment, and policy for approximately 6,000 members of the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) Commissioned Corps. He is the principal advisor to the Surgeon General on activities and policies related to Commissioned Corps training, preparedness, activation, deployment, and total force fitness.

CAPT Schobitz has a deep commitment to supporting the mission of the Public Health Service, as demonstrated by his support during multiple deployments. He deployed numerous times in response to disaster relief efforts and in support of the Indian Health Service during times of crisis. CAPT Schobitz also deployed overseas with the US Navy in support of humanitarian efforts in Haiti and Colombia aboard the USS Iwo Jima.

CAPT Schobitz is a Board-Certified Clinical Psychologist who previously served as the Deputy Chief, of the Department of Behavioral Health, Brooke Army Medical Center, and Deputy Installation Director of Psychological Health, Joint Base San Antonio - Fort Sam Houston. As Deputy Chief, CAPT Schobitz oversaw a team of 295 military, civil service, and contract behavioral health providers and administrative staff. CAPT Schobitz’s clinical and research focus was on the treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). As the Deputy Installation Director of Psychological Health, he directly supported the Commanding General of the US Army North on efforts related to readiness and suicide risk mitigation.

Before becoming the Deputy Department Chief and Deputy Installation Director, CAPT Schobitz served at the Brooke Army Medical Center as Chief of the Intensive Outpatient Program. CAPT Schobitz published numerous peer-reviewed articles and book chapters on PTSD and military behavioral health, often collaborating with residents and fellows to do so.

Prior to joining the USPHS Commissioned Corps, CAPT Schobitz served in the US Army as the Division Psychologist with the 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. CAPT Schobitz deployed as the Division Psychologist for 13 months to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom – 2. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the College of William & Mary and his Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Clinical Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University.

CAPT Schobitz received numerous awards for his contributions including the Bronze Star Medal, the Army Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, and the Public Health Service Achievement Medal. He was inducted into the Order of Military Medical Merritt for his efforts to support military medicine during his career and was the recipient of the US Public Health Service Psychologist of the Year award from the Psychology Professional Advisory Group.