Barry R. Burkhart

Dr. Barry R. Burkhart is a distinguished clinical psychologist, educator, and mental health advocate whose career has spanned over four decades. Born in North Alabama and raised in Tallahassee, Florida, Dr. Burkhart pursued his academic training at Florida State University, where he earned both his B.S. in Psychology (1970) and his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology (1974). He completed his clinical internship at the University of Southern California-Los Angeles County Medical Center, gaining early exposure to diverse populations and clinical settings. In 1974, Dr. Burkhart joined the faculty of the Department of Psychology at Auburn University, where he remained a cornerstone of the academic community until his retirement in December 2018. During his tenure, he served as Chair of the department from 2002 to 2008 and mentored countless students and faculty members. His academic work focused on the clinical assessment and treatment of trauma, violence, and victimization, particularly in adolescents and adults. He was especially committed to developing interventions for at-risk populations, including youth with histories of sexual offending behavior. A licensed psychologist since 1975, Dr. Burkhart co-directed a treatment program for juvenile sex offenders at a state training school, providing essential clinical support to this vulnerable group. His work reflected a deep commitment to community mental health and rehabilitation. As a founding partner of a prominent psychology practice, he provided psychological services to a wide range of clients while simultaneously advancing clinical best practices through research, teaching, and supervision. Dr. Burkhart's clinical excellence is recognized through his board certification and Fellowship with the Academy of Clinical Psychology of the American Board of Professional Psychology. Additionally, he is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association (APA) in both Division 12 (Clinical Psychology) and Division 29 (Psychotherapy), underscoring his national standing in the field. Beyond academia and clinical practice, Dr. Burkhart has been actively engaged with the community through consulting and service. He worked with the Lee County Youth Development Center and served on multiple boards that focus on psychological services and support for marginalized and vulnerable populations. Dr. Burkhart's interests extend beyond psychology into areas of sustainability, carpentry, and environmental stewardship. He built one of the region’s first passive solar homes and has embraced beekeeping as a hobby, reflecting a mindful and holistic view of well-being and interconnectedness. With a career marked by academic excellence, community engagement, and clinical innovation, Dr. Barry R. Burkhart has left a lasting impact on the field of psychology and the lives of those he served and taught. His legacy continues to influence both the practice and philosophy of trauma-informed care and psychological support.