August 22, 2007
Media Contact: Rick Moore
415-314-8952
rmoore.rockway@alliant.edu

Director of Rockway Institute Receives APA Award in LGBT Psychology

Robert-Jay Green, PhD, from San Francisco, has been recognized for his distinguished professional contributions by the Society for the Psychological Study of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues - Division 44 of the American Psychological Association (APA). The award was presented Sunday, August 19, 2007 during the annual APA meeting.

In presenting the award, Dr. Ruth Fassinger, incoming president of Div. 44 and a professor at the University of Maryland, called Green “a model of a vibrant, productive professional life that truly makes a positive difference in the lives of others. He is an inspiration for all of us, and we honor him today for his extraordinary contributions to bettering the lives of LGBT people in his myriad professional roles.” 

The award is presented annually to an individual whose “exceptional professional contributions have served to advance the interests, goals and purposes of Division 44.” In its official description of the award, Division 44 said “Winners of this award typically have developed innovations in practice with LGBT people and their families, have developed models and paradigms for affirmative practice, and have advanced the visibility of LGBT issues within the entire field of professional psychology. Their work has collectively raised the quality of services available to LGBT people and their families seeking care from professional psychologists by informing the practice of all who work with this population.” Recent honorees include Dr. Charles Silverstein, pioneering researcher and author, and Marvin R. Goldfried, founder of AFFIRM, a national group of psychologists who have LGBT family members.

Green is Distinguished Professor in the Clinical Psychology PhD Program at the California School of Professional Psychology, a graduate division of Alliant International University.  He also is founder and Executive Director of the university's Rockway Institute - a national center that conducts research and organizes the most knowledgeable social scientists, mental health professionals, and physicians in the United States to provide accurate information about LGBT issues to the media, legislatures, and courts.

Fassinger called Green “one of the pioneers in psychological study and treatment of LGBT individuals.”  This is the third national award Dr. Green has been given for his work, previously having received the 2001 award for "Distinguished Contributions to Family Systems Research" from the American Family Therapy Academy, and the 1998 award for "Outstanding Contributions to Understanding Family Diversity" from the Division of Family Psychology, American Psychological Association.  Among his many publications is the groundbreaking book, Lesbians and Gays in Couples and Families: A Handbook for Therapists.  He is widely known for his many research and therapy articles on same-sex couples.

Green said: "Receiving recognition from the leaders in one's field is the highest possible honor. The fact that our efforts at the Rockway Institute seem to be making a difference in the lives of LGBT people and the larger society is a great stimulus.  Hopefully, this award will help generate continued support from foundations and individuals in the community so that we can continue with the important work ahead!"

For more information about Dr. Green, the Rockway Institute, and Alliant International University, visit www.RockwayInstitute.org