Western Pennsylvania Family Center (WPFC) was founded in 1985 by six mental health professionals to provide training in Bowen family systems theory to other mental heath professionals and to the community. It is incorporated as a non-profit educational organization and does not provide direct services itself, although many of those associated with
the organization also have offices in the WPFC building and do provide direct services themselves.

WPFC currently offers a range of courses, including its “Fireside Chat Series” directed toward the general public, and its intensive two year post-graduate “Basic Seminar” intended primarily for professionals in the field. WPFC pioneered an on-line introductory course in Bowen family systems theory, attracting more than 30 students from six continents in its seven years of existence. More than 1000 individuals from the community and a broad range of mental health fields have participated in WPFC course and programs.

Now in its 23rd year, WPFC has worked collaboratively with, and consulted to, more than 50 different area mental health and child welfare agencies, churches and business organizations. It is a volunteer organization, relying solely on program fees, rental income, membership dues, individual donations and foundation grants for its operation. Located at 733 North Highland across from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, the WPFC campus consists of the main building and the recently renovated carriage house conference center. The conference center holds groups up to 50 people, and is available to outside organizations at reasonable rental rates.

Upcoming events include a lecture on Bowen theory by Dr. Michael Kerr of the Bowen Center in Washington, DC on March 15, a “fireside chat” on the development of WPFC by James Smith, a co-founder and current director of WPFC, on March 19, and a “clinical forum” on March 27 on a Bowen theory consideration of addictions by Joan Jurkowski, a certified addictions counselor in Maryland.
Contact WPFC for further information.
412-362-2295
www.wpfc.net