History of the Klingenstein Third Generation Foundation
In 1993, Joseph Klingenstein’s eight grandchildren established the KTGF, initially to focus on the need for further research in childhood and adolescent depression. The Foundation later included funding for research in child and adolescent ADHD.
In honor of Donald Cohen, former chair of the KTGF’s advisory committee and longtime Director of the Yale Child Study Center, a program was created at medical schools to teach students about child and adolescent psychiatry and mental health. Its goal was to produce more child and adolescent psychiatrists and to improve the mental health awareness of all doctors who treat children. Fourteen medical schools now participate in this program.
Since 1998, the KTGF’s fellowship program has been at the center of our work. We are interested not only in our fellows’ scientific achievements, but also in their professional development. We connect our fellows with one another and with the more senior researchers and providers who make up our advisory committee.
Given the complexity of many mental health conditions and the lack of mental health resources in a large number of communities, the Foundation wants to improve access to mental healthcare for children. In 2015, the Foundation initiated its “Transformation of Mental Health Care” program focused on improving access to high quality mental health care for children and adolescents. This program was prompted by recognition by KTGF Board members, based in part on their personal experiences, that it is often difficult for parents to access high-quality care when confronted with the challenging and often complex mental health needs of their children.
Sally Klingenstein Martell was KTGF’s founding Executive Director, a role Eliot Brenner, Ph.D. assumed in 2019. Andy Klingenstein is the Chief Executive Officer and Board Chair. Additional trustees include other members of the third generation of the Klingenstein family.