Ray W. Christner, PsyD, NCSP, Clinical Assistant Professor

Dr. Christner is a clinical assistant professor in the school psychology programs at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM).  In addition to his faculty appointment at PCOM, Dr. Christner maintains a private practice focusing on psychological assessment, consultation, and psychotherapy.  He is licensed in Pennsylvania as a Psychologist and as a Licensed Professional Counselor.  He is certified as a School Psychologist by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, as well as the National School Psychology Certification Board.  Dr. Christner's past work experience includes providing services in a variety of settings including public and private schools, mental health centers, in-home services, and nonprofit organizations.  He earned his master of science degree and doctorate in clinical psychology from PCOM.  Additionally, he received his master of science degree and certification in school psychology from California University of Pennsylvania. 

Dr. Christner is active in the field of psychology by serving on the School Board and Bulletin Committee of the Pennsylvania Psychological Association (PPA).  Previously, he was chair of the Legislative Committee for the Association of School Psychologists of Pennsylvania (ASPP).  Dr. Christner is also active at a national level, as he is the chair of Cognitive Behavior Therapy in Schools, a special interest group for the Association of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies (ABCT).  He is editor of a new journal for the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), titled School Psychology Forum: Research in Practice. 

Dr. Christner has published and presented on topics including cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT), psychological assessment, crisis intervention, school psychology, consultation, and school violence.  He has presented locally, statewide, nationally, and internationally.  He is a coeditor (with Drs. Rosemary Mennuti and Arthur Freeman) of the recent book, Cognitive-Behavioral Interventions for Educational Settings: A Handbook for Practice (2006).  His most recent book, Handbook of Cognitive-Behavior Group Therapy with Children and Adolescents: Specific Settings and Presenting Problems (with Drs. Jessica L. Stewart and Arthur Freeman), was released by Routledge Publishing in January 2007.  He is working on two new books, both to be released in early 2008.  Dr. Christner's professional interests include cognitive-behavioral interventions and treatments for various disorders and issues, the process of change, psychological and psychoeducational assessment, consultation services, school-based mental health services, and the training and preparation of psychologists and mental health professionals.

Dr. Christner has been recognized for his professional and clinical work.  In 2003, Lincoln Intermediate Unit No. 12 presented him with the LIU School Psychologist of the Year Award.  In March 2005, the Association of School Psychologists of Pennsylvania acknowledged Dr. Christner for his work in school psychology by naming him the "Pennsylvania School Psychologist of the Year."

Sample Publications:

Christner, R. W., & Mennuti, R. B. (Eds.). (manuscript in preparation).  School-based mental health: A practitioner's guide to comparative practices. New York: Routledge Publishing.

Lionetti, T. M., Snyder, E., & Christner, R. W. (Ed.S.) (manuscript in preparation). Developing competencies in school psychology: A practical guide. New York: Springer Publishing.

Christner, R. W., & Castenova, L. (manuscript in preparation). Best practices in the identification and planning for gifted students.  In A. Thomas & J. Grimes (Eds.), Best Practices in School Psychology [Fifth Edition]. Bethesda, MD: National Association of School Psychologists.

Christner, R. W., Forrest, E., Morley, J., & Weinstein, E. (manuscript in preparation). Applying cognitive-behavior therapy to school-based mental health. Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy.

Christner, R. W., Stewart, J. L., & Freeman, A. (Eds.). (2007). Handbook of cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) groups with children and adolescents: Specific settings and presenting problems. New York: Routledge Publishing.

Christner, R. W., & Stewart, J. L. (2007). An Introduction to Cognitive-Behavior Group Therapy. In R. W. Christner, J. L. Stewart, & A. Freeman (Eds.), Handbook of Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT) Groups: Specific Settings and Presenting Problems. New York: Routledge Publishing.

Christner, R. W., & Walker, M. L. (2007). CBT group treatment for children and adolescents with depression. In R. W. Christner, J. L. Stewart, & A. Freeman (Eds.), Handbook of Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT) Groups: Specific Settings and Presenting Problems. New York: Routledge Publishing.

Smallwood, D., Brill, L., & Christner, R. W. (2007). Providing CBT groups in schools. In R. W. Christner, J. L. Stewart, & A. Freeman (Eds.), Handbook of Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT) Groups: Specific Settings and Presenting Problems. New York: Routledge Publishing.

Simmerman, K., & Christner, R. W. (2007). Rejected and ostracized children.  In R. W. Christner, J. L. Stewart, & A. Freeman (Eds.), Handbook of Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT) Groups: Specific Settings and Presenting Problems. New York: Routledge Publishing.

Stewart, J. L., Christner, R. W., & Freeman, A. (2007). Future directions in CBT group treatments: From research to practice. In R. W. Christner, J. L. Stewart, & A. Freeman (Eds.), Handbook of Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT) Groups: Specific Settings and Presenting Problems. New York: Routledge Publishing.

Mennuti, R. B., Freeman, A., & Christner, R. W. (Eds.). (2006). Cognitive behavioral interventions in educational settings: A handbook for practice. New York: Routledge Publishing.

Mennuti, R. B., Christner, R. W., & Freeman, A. (2006). An Introduction to a School-Based Cognitive-Behavioral Framework. In R. B. Mennuti, A. Freeman, & R. W. Christner (Eds.), Cognitive behavioral interventions in educational settings: A handbook for practice. New York: Routledge Publishing.

Murphy, V. B., & Christner, R. W. (2006). A cognitive-behavioral case conceptualization approach for working with children and adolescents. In R. B. Mennuti, A. Freeman, & R. W. Christner (Eds.), Cognitive behavioral interventions in educational settings: A handbook for practice. New York: Routledge Publishing.

Christner, R. W., Friedberg, R. D., & Sharp, L. (2006). Working with angry and aggressive youth. In R. B. Mennuti, A. Freeman, & R. W. Christner (Eds.), Cognitive behavioral interventions in educational settings: A handbook for practice. New York: Routledge Publishing.

Christner, R. W., Lennon, L., & Stewart, J. L. (2006). Parent consultation: A cognitive-behavioral perspective. In R. B. Mennuti, A. Freeman, & R. W. Christner (Eds.), Cognitive behavioral interventions in educational settings: A handbook for practice. New York: Routledge Publishing.

Mulligan, C. A., & Christner, R. W. (2006). Understanding and treating selective mutism. In R. B. Mennuti, A. Freeman, & R. W. Christner (Eds.), Cognitive behavioral interventions in educational settings: A handbook for practice. New York: Routledge Publishing.

Christner, R. W., & Mennuti, R. B. (2006). Concluding comments. In R. B. Mennuti, A. Freeman, & R. W. Christner (Eds.), Cognitive behavioral interventions in educational settings: A handbook for practice. New York: Routledge Publishing.

Mennuti, R. B., & Christner, R. W. (2005). School-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). In A. Freeman (Ed.), International Encyclopedia of Cognitive Behavior Therapy. New York: Kluwer Publishing.

Rotgers, F., & Christner, R. W. (2005). Cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) for non-substance addictive behavior. In A. Freeman (Ed.), International Encyclopedia of Cognitive Behavior Therapy. New York: Kluwer Publishing.

Freeman, A., & Christner, R. W. (2004). Kognitive Verhaltenstherapie bei Personlichkeitsst-rungen [Cognitive-behavioral treatment of personality disorders]. In R. Merod (Ed.). Behandlung von Personlichkeitsst-rungen [Treatment of Personality Disorders]. Germany: The Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Verhaltenstherapie.

Babula, T., Carbone, M., Schaefer, B. A., & Christner, R. W. (2005, Fall). Counseling and crisis intervention: How prepared are we? Insight, 26(1), 6-7.

Stewart, J. L., & Christner, R. W. (2005, August). Enhancing school-based consultation. The Pennsylvania Psychologist Quarterly, 68(8), 24-25.

Christner, R. W., Frye, L. J., & Brown, J. (2005, Winter). School psychologist as a multicultural practitioner. Insight, 25(2).

Erdlen, R. J., & Christner, R. W. (2004, November). School psychology: Comprehensive service delivery for children and their families. The Pennsylvania Psychologist Quarterly, 64(11), 20-21.

Christner, R. W., Mennuti, R., & Allen, J. S. (2004, August). School-based Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT). The Pennsylvania Psychologist Quarterly, 64(8), 22-23.

Christner, R. W., Maus, M. R., & Allen, J. S. (2004, Winter). An overview for selecting CBT techniques in the treatment of youth in schools, Insight, 24(2), 8-10.

Allen, J. S., & Christner, R. W. (2003, Fall). The process and structure of cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) in the school setting. Insight, 24(1), 4-9.

Christner, R. W., & Allen, J. S. (2003, Spring). Introduction to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in the schools. Insight, 23(3), 12-14.

DeMatteo, F. J., Christner, R. W., & Erdlen, R. J. (2003, Spring). Factors involved in parent satisfaction with multidisciplinary team meetings. Insight, 23(3), 8-9.

Sample Professional Presentations:

Williams, B., Mennuti, R. B., & Christner, R. W. (2006, March). The use of cognitive-behavior therapy in school. Workshop presented as an NCSP only strand at the 2006 National Association of School Psychologists Conference, Anaheim, CA.

Christner, R. W., & Mulligan, C. A. (2006, March). Understanding and treating selective mutism. Mini-skills workshop presented at the 2006 National Association of School Psychologists Conference, Anaheim, CA.

Christner, R. W., Mennuti, R. B., Brill, L., & Kase, A. (2006, March). Prevention and Intervention with Adolescents: Cognitive-Behavioral Approaches. Panel presentation offered at the 26th Annual Spring Conference of Association of School Psychologists of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg, PA.

Christner, R. W. (2006, February). Cognitive-behavioral interventions to promote change. Keynote address provided at the Teaching Social Competence Conference at Immaculata University, Immaculata, PA.

Christner, R. W. (2006, February). What were you thinking? A cognitive-behavioral approach to changing student behavior.  Workshop offered at the Teaching Social Competence Conference at Immaculata University, Immaculata, PA.

Christner, R. W. (2006, February). Angry and aggressive youth: A cognitive-behavioral approach for effective intervention. Workshop provided at the annual convention of the Association of Student Assistance Programs of New Jersey, Atlantic City, NJ.

Forman, S. G., Christner, R. W., Elias, M. J., Smallwood, D. L., & Rosenfield, S. (2005, November). Behavioral and Cognitive Interventions in Schools: Bridging Research and Practice for Effective Implementation. Panel discussion presented at the 2005 Annual Convention of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT), Washington, D.C.

Mennuti, R. B., Christner, R. W., Freeman, A., Kearney, C., Forman, S., Gosch, E., Swearer, S., & Stewart, J. L. (2005, November). CBT goes to school: Helping children change. Clinical roundtable presented at the 2005 Annual Convention of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT), Washington, D.C.

Christner, R. W., & Kase, A. (2005, July). Aggressive children and adolescents: A guide to effective interventions. Workshop presented at the 2005 Summer Teacher Institute sponsored by the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia, PA.

Christner, R. W. & Stewart, J. L. (2005, April). School-based mental health services: A cognitive-behavioral perspective. Presented at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Friday Night Speaker's Series, Philadelphia, PA.

Christner, R. W., Mennuti, R., & Hernandez, L. (2005, March). The application of cognitive-behavior therapy with youth in schools. Presented at the 2005 National Association of School Psychologists conference, Atlanta, GA.

Christner, R. W., & Rutherford, C. (2005, March). Using CBT to promote change is youth with emotional disturbance. Workshop presented at the 25th Annual Spring Conference of the Association of School Psychologists of Pennsylvania (ASPP), Harrisburg, PA.

Christner, R. W., & Allen, J. S. (2004, October). Parent consultation: Applying cognitive-behavioral skills. Workshop presented at the 2004 Pennsylvania Psychological Association Ethics and Continuing Education Conference, Exton, PA.

Christner, R. W. (2004, July). Working with aggressive children and adolescents: A guide for teachers and school staff. Workshop presented at the 2004 Summer Teacher Institute sponsored by the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia, PA.

Christner, R. W. (2004, June). Integrating play and cognitive-behavioural therapies (CBT) in school-based crisis response. Paper presented at the 2004 World Congress for Play and Child Psychotherapy, Chichester, England.

Christner, R. W., Grabowski, K., & Koloras, J. (2004, March). Increasing family ties: Applying cognitive behavioral interventions with families. Presented at the 24th Annual Spring Conference of the Association of School Psychologists of Pennsylvania (ASPP), Harrisburg, PA.

Erdlen, R. J., & Christner, R. W., (2004, March). Learning from the past, preparing for the future: Guidelines for school crisis response. Post-conference workshop provided at the 24th Annual Spring Conference of the Association of School Psychologists of Pennsylvania (ASPP), Harrisburg, PA.

Christner, R. W. (2003, November). Leadership and management issues in school-based crisis response: The role of school psychologists. Presented at the 2003 School Psychology Supervisor's Luncheon and Mini-Conference at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, PA.

Christner, R. W. (2003, October). A new paradigm for school consultation: Moving from recommendations to results. Presented at the 37th Annual Pennsylvania School Psychology Conference, University Park, PA.

Christner, R. W. (2003, July). Aggressive behavior in youth: Understanding, intervening, and preventing. Workshop presented at the 2003 Summer Teacher Institute sponsored by the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia, PA.

Christner, R. W., & Murphy, V. B. (2003, March). Case studies of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): An application of CBT in school settings. Presented at the 23rd Annual Spring Conference of the Association of School Psychologists of Pennsylvania (ASPP), Harrisburg, PA.

DeMatteo, F., Erdlen, R. J., & Christner, R. W. (2003, March). Explaining evaluation results to parents: A framework for increasing parent satisfaction. Workshop presented at the 23rd Annual Spring Conference of the Association of School Psychologists of Pennsylvania (ASPP), Harrisburg, PA.

Christner, R. W. (2002, March). Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) within the school setting. Session presented at the 22nd annual spring conference of the Association of School Psychologists of Pennsylvania (ASPP), Harrisburg, PA.

Erdlen, R., Christner, R. W., Lehman, N., & Lillenstein, J. (2002, March). When an intruder attacks: Role of school psychologists in crisis response. Presentation made at the 22nd annual spring conference of the Association of School Psychologists of Pennsylvania (ASPP), Harrisburg, PA.

Contact Information:

Ray W. Christner, Psy.D., NCSP
Assistant Professor
Director, Educational Specialist Program
Department of Psychology
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
4190 City Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19131
Phone: 215-871-6386
Fax: 215-871-6436
Email: rayc@pcom.edu