Robert H. Klein, PhD
In Memoriam: Co-Founder, (1939-2023)
Robert H. Klein, Ph.D., was an accomplished, internationally recognized clinical psychologist who provided highly experienced, skilled, compassionate assessment and treatment. As a clinical faculty member at the Yale University School of Medicine, Dr. Klein held a variety of clinical positions, including directing inpatient, outpatient, outpatient partial hospitalization, and education and training programs. He was a widely respected speaker, clinical supervisor, and co-editor/author, whose publications included nearly 100 scientific articles, book chapters and seven books. Dr. Klein won many awards and honors, most recently including the 2020 Social Responsibility Award from the International Group Foundation for Advancing Mental Health.
As the past president of the American Group Psychotherapy Association, Dr. Klein volunteered his expertise in disaster outreach/intervention and mental health supervision on an international level.
In Memoriam and Unedited Email from Robert Klein
Leonardo M. Leiderman , Psy.D., ABPP, CGP, AGPA-F
Pages 350-374 | Published online: 01 Dec 2023
The community of the American Group Psychotherapy Association (AGPA) was saddened to learn of the death and loss of Robert H. Klein, PhD, ABPP, CGP, AGPA- DLF, on May 22, 2023, at the age of 83. Bob was one of the organization’s most cherished members and leaders. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, friend, colleague, clinical psychologist, icon in the group psychotherapy specialty field, author, editor, mentor, and advocate of community outreach and social causes. He touched the hearts and souls of so many of us with his vibrant and caring personality, altruism, colorful spirit, wisdom, brilliance, great sense of humor, and infinite generosity to others and meaningful causes. He trained, mentored, and supervised hundreds of mental health professionals since 1967.Footnote1
As Kierkegaard shared, “Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.” The quest for meaning is, I believe, lifelong. It certainly has been for me. (R. H. Klein, personal communication, March 7, 2022)
Robert H. Klein Social Responsibility Award
The Group Foundation for Advancing Mental Health Robert H. Klein Social Responsibility Award, inaugurated in 2010, is presented annually at AGPA Connect to an AGPA member, group of members, an Affiliate Society or an affiliated organization of mental health professionals who has provided an exceptional service that ultimately benefits the public-at-large (e.g. training professionals who provide group interventions, direct services to a community in need, extensive pro bono work, etc.). The award was endowed and named in 2024 for long-time AGPA member and Past President Robert Klein, PhD, ABPP, CGP, AGPA-DLF, who passed away in 2023 with a gift from his son Aaron Klein. This award had great meaning and significance to Dr. Klein, who received it onsite in New York City in 2020, recognizing him for his lifelong commitment to helping communities heal after traumatic events and his generous nature in providing pro bono work.