KidsPeace Psychologist Wins Top Statewide Award
For Bringing Important Issues to the Public Eye
HARRISBURG & 29 CENTERS ACROSS PENNSYLVANIA – Faced with abuse, bullying, drugs, depression, and school shootings, America’s children and families are faced with unprecedented stresses. Fortunately, there are people who work not only to help those in crisis, but to help millions cope with – and prevent – some of the greatest dangers of growing up today.
On Friday, June 20, 2008 the Pennsylvania Psychological Association will give its prestigious Psychology in the Media Award to KidsPeace’s Director of Psychology Dr. Peter Langman for extraordinary work by a professional in bringing important psychological issues to the public's attention.
In addition to his therapeutic daily work with KidsPeace, which helps some 10,000 children each year to survive severe traumas and crises, Dr. Langman and other KidsPeace experts contribute knowledge and expertise in thousands of media outlets reaching millions of families with valuable information and life-saving tips and resources. In the last year alone, Dr. Langman's expertise has been carried by more than 1,000 local, national, and international media outlets, providing valuable help and comfort to the public following the Virginia Tech shootings, national reports of increases in youth suicide, stories on childhood depression, stories involving KidsPeace’s free, problem-solving website TeenCentral.Net, and other topics. In the past, KidsPeace has helped after 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, and the Washington, D.C. sniper attacks.
A panel chose Langman from an illustrious group of psychologists who have written newspaper or magazine articles, or books, have hosted, reported or produced radio or television shows or commercials about psychology or psychological issues, or have designed psychologically oriented Web sites. The nominees were judged on the depth and breadth of their involvement with the media over a period of time, on the quality of their work, and its impact on the public.
The official ceremony will take place in Harrisburg on June 20 from 11:30-12:30 (Hilton Harrisburg and Towers, Gettysburg/Lancaster Room, One North Second Street).
About Dr. LangmanPeter Langman, Ph.D., is director of psychology for the 126-year-old national children’s crisis charity KidsPeace, with a specialty in the psychology and prevention of school shootings.
With more than 20 years experience in working with children and adolescents in crisis, Dr. Langman is a sought-after expert guest on news programs in the United States, Canada and overseas and has been called on frequently to comment on school shootings, childhood depression, and suicide prevention. His forthcoming book, “Why Kids Kill: Inside the Minds of School Shooters,” will provide psychological insights into the lives, personalities, and psychiatric symptoms of rampage school shooters.Dr. Langman has served on task forces to address suicide risk and self-injurious behavior. He has written and presented on a number of topics related to psychology, multiculturalism, and mental health issues among children and adolescents. Dr. Langman earned his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Lehigh University, his Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Lesley College, and his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Clark University. Outside of work, Dr. Langman is a poet and playwright. One of his works, “Out of Ignorance,” was recently presented off-Broadway.KidsPeace is a 126-year-old national children’s crisis charity dedicated to giving hope, help, and healing to children facing crisis. Founded in Bethlehem, with 29 centers in Pennsylvania and more than 50 centers nationwide, KidsPeace directly helps thousands of children a day with life-saving treatment to overcome the crises of growing up. Supported by VIP leaders, including its national spokesperson Leeza Gibbons and child safety and self-esteem icon RETRO BILL, KidsPeace helps millions more each year through prevention and awareness campaigns designed to help America’s kids and parents avoid and overcome the kinds of crises that can strike any child – from disasters and personal traumas to family issues and life crises. KidsPeace was named “The Outstanding Organization” of its kind in the country by the American Association of Psychiatric Services for Children and was called “a prototype of what we need for all children everywhere” by the late, nationally renowned child and family expert, Dr. Lee Salk.
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Contact: Mark Stubis, Vice President 800-25-PEACE mstubis@kidspeace.org