Camille Wortman

Camille Wortman, Ph.D., is a Professor of Social and Health Psychology at Stony Brook University, where she has been recognized as Teacher of the Year. She earned her doctorate from Duke University in 1972 and has held faculty positions at Northwestern University and the University of Michigan. Her research focuses on grief, traumatic bereavement, and coping mechanisms following sudden loss. Dr. Wortman has authored over 100 articles and books, including Treating Traumatic Bereavement: A Practitioner’s Guide. She has received prestigious awards, including the APA’s Distinguished Scientific Award for Early Career Contribution and recognition for her work post-9/11. Her contributions extend to public service, such as advising on financial compensation for 9/11 families and developing therapeutic programs for clinicians. She founded Grief Matters, a nonprofit providing resources for bereaved individuals.

• Education: Ph.D., Duke University (1972)
• Affiliations: Stony Brook University, APA, International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies

Her research emphasizes the enduring effects of traumatic loss on individuals’ lives, challenging myths about grief and advocating for evidence-based interventions. She has advised in wrongful death cases involving corporations like Boeing and Fox News, serving as an expert on prolonged grief’s psychological impact. Current projects include an interactive website for Grief Matters, expanding access to grief resources.

• Grants & Awards: NSF/APA Women in Science Award, 9/11 Assistance Award, Teaching Excellence Awards
• Labs/Teams: Collaborations with Drs. Pearlman and Rando on traumatic bereavement programs