MELBOURNE, FL – Dr. Robert Cross, a world-renowned psychologist in the field of adolescent and adult mental health will be recognized by Brevard Family Partnership for over five years of volunteer service to the children and families served by Brevard County’s lead child welfare agency.  The recognition will take place during BFP’s January board of directors’ meeting on Thursday, January 28, 2011 at the agency’s administrative office in Melbourne.

Dr. Cross has committed thousands of hours, serving as a subject matter expert and psychologist for BFP at all clinical venues.  He is present for all clinical reviews of children, youth, and families; attends court hearings, as needed; is a member of the BFP’s Medication Review Team, which reviews the status of children who are prescribed psychotropic medications; conducts numerous training seminars; and, serves as member of the board of directors for Brevard C.A.R.E.S.

“We are truly fortunate to have Dr. Cross’ expertise and counsel available to us, as we work to help Brevard’s most vulnerable children and families in crisis,” said BFP’s CEO, Dr. Patricia Nellius-Guthrie.  “His passion for child welfare and his learned insights have had a very positive impact on our system of care.”

Dr. Cross received his PhD from Florida Institute of Technology’s Department of Psychology and received a MSW degree in Clinical Social Work from Florida State University.  He received a certificate in Psychotherapy through a three-year advanced training program at the Adler School of Professional Psychology in Chicago.

Prior to moving to Florida, Dr. Cross was vice president of L.A. Weiss Memorial Hospital; a University of Chicago affiliated hospital.  As a corporate officer, he was administratively responsible for a variety of professional departments.  He also was credentialed in the department of psychiatry and was responsible for the crisis intervention program.  During this time he maintained a private practice for adults and adolescents with a broad spectrum of mental health issues.

Returning to Florida he continues his professional activities, serving as a volunteer in a number of community agencies, including serving on the board of We Care, a suicide hotline, and the bioethics committee of Holmes Regional Hospital.  He teaches and lectures on suicide assessment and attachment behavior to a variety of mental health agencies.