Wynne Center for Family Research
The Wynne Center for Family Research (WCFR) is named after Lyman and Adele Wynne who had a vision of a center focused on the health and well-being of the family. Adele Wynne, a graduate of Wellesley College, with a master's degree in counseling from Long Island University, dedicated her life to family, community, and a career as a family therapist, group therapist, art therapist, and artist. Lyman Wynne has had a distinguished international career as a researcher, mentor, and therapist. Raised in Minnesota, he attended Harvard College and Harvard Medical School, then prepared for a research career by obtaining a Ph.D. in social Psychology at Harvard. His most abiding professional interest has been the study and clinical care of families with a schizophrenic member. Lyman Wynne, M.D., Ph.D. is known as one of the pioneers who founded the field of family therapy during the 1950s.
The WCFR is dedicated to supporting family research and the development of family researchers in the following areas: coping with physical illness, child and adult abuse and maltreatment, and serious mental illness. The WCFR works closely with local primary care clinics, family courts, schools, and other social service agencies to study and improve the care of the people and families they serve.
The WCFR Board is composed of the foremost researchers in these areas who serve as valuable scientific advisors to our faculty. They provide networking potential to develop our young, talented faculty. Each annual Board meeting consists of a day of presentations and consultations between faculty and board members.
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The WCFR was founded in 1997 with Susan H. McDaniel, Ph.D., serving as its first Director. She continues in this role today. Susan is widely known and recognized for work integrating mental health into primary care practice. She is a leader in educating mental health into primary care practice. She is a leader in educating mental health professionals and primary care physicians to understand the effect of illness on families, and how to use patients' natural support system to promote healing. Susan is co-editor of the journal Families, Systems & Health Biopsychosocial Approach. In 2000, she received the award for Innovative Contributions to Family Therapy from the American Family Therapy Academy; in 2004, she was awarded the Association for Medical Psychologists Award for Distinguished Achievement in Teaching; and in 2007 she will receive the Psyche award for her contributions to mental health in primary care fro the 
A distinct advantage of the WCFR is its location within the Department of Psychiatry and the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. Wynne Center faculty are able to collaborate with other outstanding researchers in Psychiatry and other clinical departments of the Medical Center, as well as the University at large.