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For Immediate Release
Media Contact:
Diane C. Feirman, CAE
877-668-AGPA (2472)
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GROUP FOUNDATION FOR ADVANCING MENTAL HEALTH ANNOUNCES THE ESTABLISHMENT OF iSCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT
NEW YORK, June 15, 2019 — The Group Foundation for Advancing Mental Health announced today the establishment of an endowment for an iScholarship. This Scholarship has been generously endowed by Robert “Dr. Bob” Hsiung, MD, of Chicago, IL who is a supporter of the field of group psychotherapy and the Group Foundation’s work in helping change lives; as well as interested in the potential of technology to advance training, connections and mental health delivery. The endowment will support an innovative three-year scholarship that provides mentorship and financial support for a candidate with an interest in the internet, social media, technology, e-learning, e-health and/or telemedicine and increasing engagement with AGPA. 
The iScholarship will include support of attendance to the Annual AGPA Connect Meeting for the term of the scholarship as well as additional activities to promote professional development and engagement with the group therapy community. Applications will be accepted as part of the annual Group Foundation scholarship program with the inaugural scholarship to be awarded for AGPA Connect 2020 in New York City. 

“Online groups are the wave of the future, if not the present,” said Dr. Hsiung. “The Group Foundation is perfectly positioned both to further our understanding of how these groups work and to learn how best to use groups mediated by the Internet, social media, and technology to advance mental health.”

“The Group Foundation is grateful to Robert Hsiung for his generosity in establishing this iScholarship fund,” said Karen Travis, LCSW, BCD, CGP, FAGPA, Chairwoman of the Group Foundation. “Providing scholarships for the training and education of group therapists and promoting innovative technologies benefit the field and ultimately the public at large.”

Scholarship application and submission guidelines are available at www.agpa.org ; the deadline to be considered for a named scholarship such as the iScholarship is November 1, 2019. You can also visit the website for more information on this and other scholarships, the Foundation’s programs or to contribute to the Foundation. If you are interested in finding out more about endowing a scholarship or another program, please contact the Foundation office at dfeirman@agpa.org or by phone at 877-668-AGPA (2472).
About AGPA and the Group Foundation
The American Group Psychotherapy Association (AGPA) is the foremost professional association dedicated to the field of group psychotherapy, operating through a tri-partite structure: AGPA, a professional and educational organization; the Group Foundation for Advancing Mental Health, its philanthropic arm; and the International Board for Certification of Group Psychotherapists, a standard setting and certifying body. AGPA represents over 2,000 mental health professional members including psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers, as well as mental health, family, and pastoral counselors, many of whom have been recognized as specialists through the Certified Group Psychotherapist credential. Its members are experienced mental health professionals who lead psychotherapy groups and various non-clinical groups. Many are organizational specialists who work with businesses, not-for-profit organizations, communities and other "natural" groups to help them improve their functioning. The association also has 21 local and regional societies located across the country.

AGPA is committed to supporting the dignity and psychological safety of every individual without discrimination regarding race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sex, age, or disability. Central to our mission is a belief in the power of groups to treat mental illness, heal the scars from traumatic events, and enhance the well-being of adults and children in their families, schools, corporate settings, and communities. 

The Group Foundation for Advancing Mental Health is a philanthropic organization that is committed to the fact that “Groups Change Lives” and believes in the power of group interventions to improve people’s quality of life. The Group Foundation supports group psychotherapy education, research, training, and information dissemination for the benefit of the public and professional communities. Among the Foundation’s most vital roles is the recognition of excellence, promise, and vision by honoring those individuals and groups who have demonstrated these qualities with awards and scholarships.