Pelham honored for contributions to clinical psychology

William E. Pelham, Jr. received the 2017 Distinguished Scientific Contributions to Clinical Psychology Award last week during the American Psychological Association (APA) Annual Convention in Washington, D.C.

The recognition is the highest honor from the Society of Clinical Psychology, Division 12 of the APA, and recognizes psychologists who have made distinguished contributions to psychology throughout their careers.

President of the Society of Clinical Psychology Michael Otto, left, and Director of FIU’s CCF William E. Pelham Jr., right, at the American Psychological Association (APA) Annual Convention.

Pelham, director of FIU’s Center for Children and Families (CCF) and professor of psychology,   specializes in the assessment and treatment of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

“I’m incredibly grateful to receive such a prestigious award,” Pelham said. “I have dedicated my career to finding the best way to help children struggling with mental health problems, and there’s no higher honor than to be recognized by your peers for your contributions in the field.”

Pelham founded CCF, an FIU Preeminent Program and a world-class clinical research center dedicated to improving the lives of children and families struggling with mental health problems. Since opening its doors in 2010, CCF has helped more than 7,000 families, and it is the largest center in Florida conducting child mental health research.

Pelham also founded the nationally acclaimed Summer Treatment Program, an 8-week comprehensive summer camp program for children with ADHD and related behavioral, emotional and learning challenges. The program has helped thousands of children and has been replicated in more than 15 sites across the country, including Japan.

“While familiar and supportive of Dr. Pelham’s work over the years, I must say that as chair of the Awards Committee, I was impressed with the strength of his letters of nomination and support,” said Bradley E. Karlin, past president of APA Division 12. “The productivity and impact on clinical psychology that Dr. Pelham has achieved are rare, indeed.”