Experts Available to Discuss Psychological Effects of Federal Government Shutdown and Furloughs

What  

Psychologists can describe the mental health impacts on employees, their families and others affected by the federal government shutdown and furloughs that began Oct. 1. The following experts can also discuss how to cope with uncertainty, financial stress and disrupted schedules. 

Who  

Nancy Molitor, PhD
Wilmette, Ill.
Work: (847) 251-0425

Expertise: A clinical psychologist and assistant professor of clinical psychiatry and behavioral science at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Molitor specializes in the psychological impacts of financial stress.

Mary Alvord, PhD
Rockville, Md.
Work: (301) 593-6554 x14
Cell: (301) 257-9005 

Expertise: Alvord has a private practice and is adjunct associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral science at George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. She can discuss how furloughed employees are being affected by the shutdown and how to help ease the anxieties of children with furloughed parents or daycare closures. 

Stephen Josephson, PhD
New York
Work: (212) 888-2777 

Expertise: A clinical assistant professor with Cornell University Medical School and on faculty at Columbia Medical Center, Josephson can discuss coping with a tough economy and stress management.

Kenneth Manges, PhD
Cincinnati
Work: (513) 784-1333   

Expertise: An independent practitioner, Manges can discuss stress during a financial crisis as well as links between financial stress and crime.

James Calhoun, PhD
Athens, Ga.
Work: (706) 549-9196

Expertise: Professor of psychology at the University of Georgia, Calhoun specializes in stress management. 

James Campbell Quick, PhD
Arlington, Texas
Work: (817) 272-3869

Expertise: Professor of organizational behaviors with the University of Texas at Arlington, Quick can comment on the effects of stress on individuals and organizations as well as stress prevention. He specializes in addressing workplace disruptions, downsizing and furloughs.

For information about stress and ways to cope, APA offers several online resources. 

The American Psychological Association, in Washington, D.C., is the largest organization of psychologists in the United States. APA's membership includes more than 134,000 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students. Through its divisions in 54 subfields of psychology and affiliations with 60 state, territorial and Canadian provincial associations, APA works to advance the creation, communication and application of psychological knowledge to benefit society and improve people's lives.