Author

Irene S. Levine, PhD is a clinical psychologist and award-winning freelance journalist and author who spent the major portion of her career as a senior manager and policymaker at the National Institute of Mental Health in Rockville, Maryland. After that, she was privileged to serve as the first Deputy Director of the federal Center for Mental Health Services during the Clinton Administration.

Prior to her career with the federal government, Irene worked in variety of clinical settings with both children and adults. She has also worked in psychiatric research and holds a faculty appointment as a Professor of Psychiatry at the New York University School of Medicine.

Her writing---focused on health, lifestyles, travel and relationships--- has appeared in scores of newspapers (including the Chicago Tribune, Dallas Morning News, New York Times, Newsday, and USA Today) and national magazines (such as AARP Bulletin, Better Homes and Gardens, Bottom Line Health, Health, Ladies Home Journal, Prevention, and Reader's Digest).

Writing as "The Friendship Doctor," Irene is a prolific blogger who contributes regularly to the widely-read and well-respected online publications, the Huffington Post and Psychology Today, providing no-nonsense advice and guidance to readers.She also writes a bimonthly mental health column called Mind Matters for AAAS Science Magazine's online publication, ScienceCareers

Irene serves on the professional advisory boards of the National Meningitis Association and the National Research Center for Women and Families and is an advisor to the Gale Encyclopedia of Mental Disorder. She is a member of the American Psychological Association, the American Society of Journalists and Authors, the American Medical Writers Association, the Association of Healthcare Journalists, the Authors Guild, and the National Association of Science Writers.

Her rich clinical, academic and analytic background---along with her warm and engaging manner---make her uniquely qualified to understand the complex and compelling nature of female friendships, and to write and talk about these important bonds in a knowledgeable but practical way.

Irene and her psychiatrist-husband reside in Westchester County, New York. They co-authored Schizophrenia for Dummies (Wiley, November 2008), an accessible resource for families trying to understand this complex disorder and its treatment.

Her latest book is Best Friends Forever: Surviving a Breakup with Your Best Friend (Overlook Press). She has become a widely sought-after speaker on the topic of friendship and is available for lectures/discussions. See CONTACT tab above.

Irene’s bio and clips are posted on her Web site.