Robert Hoffnung, Ph.D.
Psychology
College of Arts and Sciences
Education
Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, University of Cincinnati
About Robert
Let me briefly fill you in on my background and current teaching and research interests. After completing my doctoral training in clinical psychology at the University of Cincinnati in 1967, I joined the U of C graduate faculty where I taught for two years. In 1969 I came to New Haven to teach at Yale University , where I helped develop the West Haven division of the Hill-West Haven Community Mental Health Center . My work included evaluation of existing mental health programs, interdisciplinary training of professionals and paraprofessionals, development of community daycare and alternative school programs and consultation with community groups. I joined the University of New Haven faculty in 1974 and served as M.A. Community Psychology Program Coordinator from 1976 to 2004. I am a licensed clinical psychologist and practicing psychotherapist with a special interest in the problems of couples, children and families.
The current focus of my research and writing is our country's health and mental health care crisis. I am particularly interested in the appropriate role of science and professional judgment in achieving a morally acceptable standard of health and mental health care for all that is both efficient and financially accessible, and in the role of propaganda in preventing the reasoned social policy debate that is required to achieve such reforms. As part of this project I am working with other professionals and consumer advocates who are committed to healthcare reform.
When I am not involved in the above activities, I like to spend time with my four grown children and their families, hike, contra dance, travel to exotic places, and enjoy the varied cultural opportunities available in the Greater New Haven Area and in the nearby metropolises of New York and Boston.
Teaching Interests
My teaching interests include community based treatment and prevention; community mental health, and child, adolescent and life-span development.
Published Books and Articles
I am the co-author of two textbooks, Child and Adolescent Development(5th ed.) and the second edition of Lifespan Development (2nd ed.), both published in 2000.