Mental Health Programs

About CMHS

Gary M. Blau, Ph.D.
Branch Chief, Child, Adolescent, and Family Branch

Gary M. Blau, Ph.D. is a Clinical Psychologist and is currently the Chief of the Child, Adolescent and Family Branch of the Center for Mental Health Services. In this role he provides national leadership for children’s mental health and for creating “systems of care” across the country. Prior to this, Dr. Blau was the Bureau Chief of Quality Management and Director of Mental Health at the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF), and the Director of Clinical Services at the Child and Family Agency of Southeastern, Connecticut.

Dr. Blau was formerly a member of the National Association of State Mental Health Program Director’s Division of Children, Youth and Families, and from July 1, 1998 through June 30, 2000 he was the Division’s Chairperson. Dr. Blau has received several awards including the prestigious Pro Humanitate Literary Award for literary works which best exemplify the intellectual integrity and moral courage required to transcend political and social barriers to promote best practice in the field of child welfare, the Governor’s Service Award, the Phoebe Bennet Award for outstanding contribution to children’s mental health in Connecticut, and the Making a Difference Award presented by Connecticut’s Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health. Most recently, he was the recipient of the 2009 HHS Secretary’s Award for Meritorious Service for his national leadership in children’s mental health.

Dr. Blau has numerous journal publications and has been the editor of several books, including the recently published “Handbook of Childhood Behavioral Issues: Evidence Based Approaches to Prevention and Treatment,” and “The System of Care Handbook: Transforming Mental Health Services for Children, Youth and Families.” He received his Ph.D. from Auburn University (Auburn, Alabama) in 1988, and currently holds a clinical faculty appointment at the Yale Child Study Center.