“Advancing Knowledge. Improving Access to Care. Changing Systems. Empowering Lived-Experience Voice.”
Addressing stigma through advancement of care, research, education, policy, and public awareness for those impacted by childhood abuse, interpersonal violence, and human rights violations.
Photo Credit: Haruka Sakaguchi for The New York Times
Why Dr. Milissa Kaufman Founded The Institute
Dr. Milissa Kaufman is a leading psychiatrist and trauma researcher who spent decades advancing the science of dissociation and trauma at McLean Hospital and Harvard Medical School. Her decision to publicly share her recovery from dissociative identity disorder (DID) — was a courageous act that now drives the Institute’s mission.
As profiled in The New York Times Magazine “What It’s Like to Live With One of Psychiatry’s Most Misunderstood Diagnoses,” Dr. Kaufman challenges stigma by uniting lived experience expertise, person-centered leadership, and academic and clinical excellence.
Her vision for the Kaufman Institute is rooted in the belief that no one should suffer in silence — and that shedding light on childhood abuse and resulting adulthood sequalae — has the power to transform systems, institutions and public discourse toward prevention, healing, and culture change.
The Kaufman Institute
Dedicated to transforming the lives of individuals and communities impacted by childhood abuse, interpersonal violence, and human rights violations.
We advance our mission by building public awareness, advocating for evidence-based policy reform, and supporting innovative research and education.
Through philanthropic initiatives and collaborative partnerships, we expand access to trauma-informed care, resources, and support services.
United in purpose, we work to prevent violence, promote healing, and uphold the dignity and rights of everyone.
Our Work
Campaigns to shift cultural understanding and reduce stigma around trauma and dissociation.
Public Awareness
Support for psychological care, trauma assessment, and forensic evaluations for asylum seekers.
Clinical Care
Evidence-based reform to promote person-centered mental health and legal systems.
Policy Advocacy
Consultation to government, health systems, industry, and NGOs on trauma-informed approaches.
Global Human Rights
Philanthropic support for trauma research, training, and lived-experience expert informed education.
Research & Education
Initiatives to expand trauma care to underserved populations through partnerships and innovation.
Access & Equity
Healing begins with being heard. Justice begins with being believed.
News — Projects — Partnerships
A non-profit advancing care, research, education, policy, and public awareness for those impacted by childhood abuse, interpersonal violence, and human rights violations.