American Psychological Association 2023 Presidential Citation Award

Kalyani Gopal, PhD, HSPP is presented with this APA Presidential Citation for her lifelong commitment to promoting human rights as a psychologist, global leader, and advocate to empower survivors of human trafficking and promote health equity. Her remarkable contributions as a psychologist continue to improve the lives of foster care youth and children impacted by trauma. 

Gopal is a licensed clinical psychologist, past president of the Illinois Psychological Association, and past president of Division 12 (Society of Clinical Psychology).  As chair of Division 12’s Governance and Advocacy Task Force, Gopal coordinated the Interdivisional Initiative on Reproductive Justice to bring psychologists together to protect clinicians and academics from potential litigation, identify and prioritize areas needing attention, and coordinate with APA’s efforts in the broader arena.

Gopal is also founder and president of the Sex-Trafficking Awareness, Freedom, and Empowerment Coalition for Human Rights (SAFECHR), which seeks to protect the human dignity of trafficked persons globally through education, prevention, and rehabilitation. Formed in 2014, the organization ensures that their voices are heard throughout the globe. Her work with SAFECHR began in 2013 to empower survivors to be the driving force in combating human trafficking. bringing together organizations from around the globe working ceaselessly to form collaborative national and international coalitions from rescue to rehabilitation of victims of human trafficking and violations of human rights.

An expert in complex trauma, she has trained foster parents, adoptive parents, administrators, judges, FBI, police officers, attorneys, case managers, nonprofits, and clergy on issues related to infants, children, adolescents, and adults.

For her years of service to children, families, and the profession, it’s my honor to present her with this Presidential Citation.