After a national search, David B. Albert, Ph.D., has been appointed Director of the Student Counseling Service (SCS). His appointment is effective September 16. Dr. Albert served as Director, Counseling and Psychological Services at the University of Hartford since 2007. Prior to his work at the University of Hartford, Dr. Albert was Director of Ambulatory Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine and Founding Director, University of Connecticut Child and Adolescent Outpatient Trauma Clinic.
Dr. Albert earned his bachelor’s degree from Amherst College in Russian Studies and his PhD in Clinical Psychology from Northwestern University Medical School. His academic work was in the area of traumatic stress and its impact on emotional well-being.
Since its inception in 1956, Student Counseling (formerly named Student Mental Health) has had three directors (Jack Kramer, M.D. 1956-1986; Morton M. Silverman, M.D. 1987-2002; and Thomas A.M. Kramer, M.D. 2003-2013). As its fourth director, Dr. Albert will work with a clinical and administrative counseling staff to serve the mental health needs of the University. “I am absolutely thrilled to join the University of Chicago. The opportunity to lead such a talented and dedicated group of clinicians, coordinators, and administrators at the Student Counseling Service is a tremendous honor. With the integration of Student Health and Counseling Services underway, this is a particularly exciting time to be joining the University. I look forward to helping SCS continue its tradition of providing innovative and excellent services to the university community.”
Reporting to Asst. Vice President for Student Health and Counseling Services (SHCS), Alex Lickerman, M.D., Dr. Albert will also work closely with Student Health Service and Health Promotion and Wellness units as part of his senior leadership role within SHCS.