Dr. Heidi Horsley is an internationally known grief expert and teaches courses in Intervention for Grief Loss and Bereavement, Clinical Evaluation with Children, and Social Work with Children at Columbia University School of Social Work (CUSSW).  Dr. Horsley is a Licensed Psychologist and Social Worker.  She holds a Psychology Doctorate from the University of San Francisco, a Master’s degree in Social Work from Columbia University, and a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Loyola University in New Orleans.

Dr. Horsley hosts the syndicated talk radio show, the Open to Hope Show, and is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Open to Hope Foundation, an international organization committed to providing hope and resources to those grieving.  She also has a private practice in Manhattan.  In addition, Dr. Horsley serves on The Compassionate Friends National Board of Directors, and is on the Advisory Board for the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), working with military families after a loss.  She has appeared on ABC’s 20/20, and been quoted in the Metro World News, Washington Post, Time Magazine and the New York Daily News, in addition to many other media venues.  She gives presentations, workshops and professional continuing education courses throughout the country for health care professionals.

She worked for 10 yrs. as a co-investigator for the FDNY-CSU/Columbia University Family Guidance Program; a study providing ongoing intervention and follow-up to families of firefighters killed in the 9/11 World Trade Center, including conducting workshops for bereaved siblings.  Her research interests and publications are in the area of grief and loss, and her doctoral dissertation was on the sudden death of a sibling.

Dr. Horsley received her clinical training at Manhattan Psychiatric Center, St. Lukes/Roosevelt Hospital, and California Pacific Medical Center in the adult and child psychiatry departments.  She has a wide range of clinical experience, which includes work in a university counseling center, a residential treatment center, a mental health clinic, a juvenile detention facility, and several school settings. 

Last updated December 15, 2011.