Robert Foltz, Psy.D.

Dr. Foltz earned his doctorate in psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology in 2000. Throughout his undergraduate and graduate training, he worked in psychiatric inpatient units with adults and youth struggling with severe emotional and behavioral disturbances. Dr. Foltz has devoted considerable focus to the treatment of severely disturbed adults and adolescents in Inpatient and Residential Treatment settings. Since early in his studies, Dr. Foltz has been interested in the psychological treatment of conditions such as schizophrenia. As his clinical experiences evolved, he became invested in exploring the interplay between psychotherapy and psychopharmacology in the treatment severe conditions. Dr. Foltz has provided clinical services, as well as administrative services in Residential Treatment settings around the Chicago area for over 15 years. He has consulted with school districts in the assessment of troubled youth and has maintained an active private practice since 1999. Dr. Foltz is also on the Board of Directors for the Association of Children’s Residential Centers. His professional and clinical interests include child / adolescent psychopathology, psychopharmacology, the psychological & neurological impact of trauma, and critical evaluation of evidence-based treatments. Recent research included the Adolescent Subjective Experience of Treatment study. This project involved assessing youth, currently placed in residential treatment, on what they perceive as the most effective (and ineffective) components of multidisciplinary care. Areas of inquiry included psychotropic medications, psychotherapy, and milieu treatments. The project also assessed levels of trauma, strength-based strategies, and measures of resiliency. Research results were used in several dissertations and publications. Results of this study have been presented at the American Psychological Association in 2011, 2012 and 2014, as well as conferences for Reclaiming Youth International and the American Association of Children’s Residential Centers.