Allan Barsky, JD, Ph.D.
Allan Barsky, JD, MSW, Ph.D. is a professor with Florida Atlantic University’s Sandler School of Social Work in Boca Raton, USA. He received his master’s in social work degree from Yeshiva University in New York City and his doctorate and law degrees from University of Toronto, Canada. Dr. Barsky’s practice experience includes family mediation and counseling with people affected by addictions and family violence.
Dr. Barsky’s current research explores the impact of Florida’s law that restricts access to gender-affirming care for transgender and gender-diverse minors and adults. Dr. Barsky has been interviewing mental health professionals, transgender and gender-diverse youth, and parents and guardians to gain a better understanding of laws that ban access to gender affirming hormones, hormone blockers, and surgery for minors, and restrict access to these procedures for adults.
Dr. Barsky believes in evidence-based practice for regarding gender-affirming care, which includes assistance with psychosocial issues and does not necessarily involve medical procedures. He also believes in an interprofessional approach to practice, where legal, mental health, medical, social work, educational, and other human service professionals work collaboratively with youth and families to determine the best courses of action and support.
His book credits include:
- Ethics and Values in Social Work
- Clinicians in Court
- Essential Ethics for Social Work Practice
- Conflict Resolution for the Helping Professions
- Interprofessional Practice with Diverse Populations
Dr. Barsky's books can be found at his website.
Accolades include:
- Awarded the “FAU Scholar of the Year Award” (2020)
- Awarded the “FAU Alumni Association Impact in Teaching Award” (2024)
- Chair of the National Association of Social Workers (USA) National Ethics Committee
- Chair of the National Association of Social Workers (USA) Code of Ethics Review Committee
- Awarded the NASW’s “Excellence in Ethics Award”
- Awarded the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts “Stanley Cohen Distinguished Research Award for Research Achievements in the Field of Family Law and Divorce"