Longtime and cherished faculty member Dr. Norman Epstein, professor emeritus in the University of Maryland School of Public Health’s Department of Family Science, died on October 17th at the age of 78.
“We have lost a guiding light – a teacher, mentor, colleague and dear friend,” said Dr. Mariana Falconier, director of UMD’s Couple and Family Therapy Master's Program, who worked closely with Dr. Epstein. “Norm’s mentorship, generosity, and support were exceptional, helping us emotionally and professionally pave the way forward. His impact on our students is immeasurable.”
Dr. Epstein served at the University of Maryland for 36 years. As director of the department's nationally accredited Couple and Family Therapy Program from 2003-2018, Epstein taught graduate and undergraduate courses in couple and family relationships and therapy, research methods and human sexuality. He provided clinical supervision to student therapists and directed over 85 master's theses and doctoral dissertations. Family Science Department Chair Dr. Mia Smith-Bynum said his patience, acceptance and understanding made colleagues and students feel consistently comfortable and supported.
“Dr. Epstein leaves a lasting impact through his dedication, mentorship and contributions to our school,” said Smith-Bynum. “He is fondly remembered by many colleagues who had the privilege of working alongside him, not only for his brilliant mind but for his fundamental kindness and decency.”
We have lost a guiding light – a teacher, mentor, colleague and dear friend.
Dr. Epstein was a pioneer in the field of couple and family therapy, having made major contributions in the areas of cognitive-behavioral theory, assessment and treatment of couples and families, and domestic violence. He also has focused on understanding and treating individual psychopathology within the family context. Dr. Epstein worked with Dr. Aaron Beck at the Center for Cognitive Therapy in Philadelphia and contributed to the development and assessment of the widely-used Beck Anxiety Inventory and the Beck Self-Concept Test.
Dr. Epstein has disseminated his cognitive behavioral treatments for couples and families internationally, providing extensive training in China on couple and family therapy models, contributing to the rapid growth of such treatment approaches there. He published articles on culturally sensitive adaptations of Western-derived therapy models in China and conducted several studies with Chinese colleagues advancing knowledge about couple and family relationships.
“Norman Epstein made integral contributions to cognitive behavioral therapy across the globe,” said SPH Dean Boris Lushniak. “His work will live on exponentially, and his presence will be greatly missed in our community.
In 2019, Dr. Epstein retired from the University and was appointed as emeritus faculty. He continued his scholarship and private practice post retirement, authoring numerous publications, including the recent book, Treatment plans and interventions in couple therapy (2024, Guilford Press). At the time of his passing, he had amassed 42,779 citations in Google Scholar.
Beyond these extraordinary numbers, Falconier remembers Dr. Epstein’s deep and abiding impact at the School of Public Health and, in particular, his dedication to and care for UMD’s Couple and Family Therapy program.
“He played a key role in building this program that so many of us either graduated from, taught in or supervised within,” said Falconier. “Norm will be incredibly missed by his colleagues, trainees and clients, as well as by those who learned so much from his books and writings worldwide.”
A memorial celebration in Dr. Epstein’s honor will be announced by the family in the coming weeks. The Epstein family welcomes your expressions of condolence, as well as memories and photos of your time with Dr. Epstein via this shared remembrance board. Other opportunities to honor Dr. Epstein will be announced at a later date.
