Trailblazers of Equality in Mental Health- Maxie Clarence Maultsby, Jr, M.D.

We at CFS want to honor Black History Month this year by not only paying tribute to all generations of African Americans who struggled with adversity, but also by honoring some specific Trailblazers of Equality in The Area of Mental Health. Throughout this month, we will be posting tributes to some individuals who spoke to our hearts and inspired us, and whose stories we want to re-share with you.

Today’s tribute is to Maxie Clarence Maultsby, Jr, M.D.

Maxie Clarence Maultsby Jr. was born on April 24, 1932 in Pensacola, Florida, and attended Talladega College for his B.A., then received his M.D. from Case Western Reserve University. After practicing as a GP in private practice and in the US Air Force, he completed a Psychiatry residency as well as a second residency in Child Psychiatry.

Dr. Maultsby is the founder of Rational Behavior Therapy, including the emotional self-help technique called Rational Self-Counseling, and the New Self-Help Alcoholic Relapse Prevention Treatment Method. Dr. Maultsby explored emotional and behavioral self-management. Through Rational Behavior Therapy, he formulated a comprehensive system of cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy and counseling. The technique of cognitive-behavioral therapy and counseling that Dr. Maultsby created was the first short term, comprehensive, culture and drug-free psychotherapy that produces long-term therapeutic results. He founded the Training and Treatment Center for Rational Behavior Therapy in 1973 and was the Director of the Training and Treatment Center from its origination until 1987.

Dr Maultsby also worked extensively with Dr. Albert Ellis, founder of Rational Emotive Therapy and in 1974 co-published with him the Technique for Using Rational Emotive Imagery. He authored several books on emotional and behavioral self-management. Dr. Maultsby was elected Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Association of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapists.

Center for Family Services has been providing mental health services and education to children, adults and families since 1961. Our clients are some of the most vulnerable in the community due to their age, gender, and socioeconomic status. Donations are a crucial means to their mental well-being. On their behalf, thank you for your support.

To learn more about our programs, visit our Programs page.
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