As a clinical social worker licensed in Illinois, New York and Massachusetts with a doctorate in social work and psychology, Dr. Andy Safyer has spent more than 35 years in the field of mental health, gaining extensive experience in research and academia as well as clinical practice and supervision.

Dr. Safyer was inspired to pursue a career in social work after spending time at the National Cancer Institute in Washington D.C. as a genetic counselor working with families who were at high risk for cancer. Previously focused on psychobiology and genetics, he found that he enjoyed working with humans rather than test tubes.

He attended the University of Michigan to pursue a joint doctorate in social work and psychology, earning his MSW and master’s in psychology along the way and training at both inpatient and outpatient mental health clinics. He continued his training at the Harvard Hospital system, eventually founding a private clinical practice that he maintained for over 30 years.

In his long and distinguished career, Dr. Safyer has held faculty and deanship positions at major universities like Boston University, the University at Buffalo and Adelphi University, has been honored with many awards and accolades and has presented nationally on the topics of clinical supervision, substance abuse and couples treatment. In addition, he has been the convener of the International Interdisciplinary Conference on Clinical Supervision which is now in its 15th year.

Dr. Safyer’s personal beliefs align well with his career in social work. He holds a strong commitment to social justice along with a love for learning and helping others heal. While he is trained in psychodynamic theory, attachment theory and family systems, he also incorporates other modalities into his practice. He specializes in working with couples, adults and older adolescents dealing with trauma, substance abuse and relationship issues.

He promotes an atmosphere of respect, compassion,and understanding working to develop a trusting and supportive relationship with clients in order to help them alleviate stress, find new ways of coping and become the person they were supposed to be.

When not at work, Dr. Safyer enjoys traveling the globe, practicing yoga, reading good detective novels and spending time with friends and family.