Gilbert H. Newman, Ph.D.

Dr. Gilbert Newman is the Vice President for Academic Affairs at the Wright Institute, Berkeley, CA and the Past President (2022)of the National Council of Schools and Programs of Professional Psychology. He is also a member of the Board of Trustees for the American Insurance Trust.  Long active in the American Psychological Association (APA), he is a former member of the Commission on Accreditation (2015-2021), the 2007 Board of Educational Affairs Chair, and the 2008 Committee of State Leaders Chair. He is a member of the National Register of Health Service Psychologists and is a lifetime member of the California Psychological Association, of which he was the President in 2006.

His clinical training began in 1973 with the existential-phenomenologically oriented Philadelphia Association in London, England.  This led to 13 years working within and facilitating alternative residential services for people who were acutely psychotic, suicidal, or suffering with other serious mental illness. Dr. Newman received his doctorate from the Wright Institute and completed his internship at the Superior Court, Alameda County, Family Court Services. From 1989 to 1996 he was employed at the Institute for Labor and Mental Health providing assessment and psychotherapy services for physically and psychologically disabled workers. He also worked for the University of California, Berkeley, School of Public Health where he was a Section Editor for the California Wellness Guide and a researcher for a project entitled Children and the Environment.

Dr. Newman performed services in a primary care clinic (2007-2021) and has maintained a small independent practice throughout his career.  His approach incorporates contemporary multicultural and trauma-informed perspectives, and depth-oriented, evidence-based, solution-focused interventions.  He has expertise in crisis intervention, addiction, trauma, serious mental illness, and couples. 

Dr. Newman has extensive experience in program development, evaluation, consultation and accreditation. His current interests include the growing phenomenon of family secrets being revealed through genetic testing, older adults interventions, graduate psychology education, and health service psychology political advocacy.

Dr. Newman is the 2023 recipient of the APA/Committee of Chairs of Training Councils, Paul Nelson Award. He is also the recipient of the APA Education Advocacy Distinguished Service Award; the Karl F. Heiser Presidential Award from APA’s Division 31 recognizing his legislative advocacy work for state and federal laws; and the Silver Psi from CPA recognizing outstanding service to the Association, as well as several other recognitions.