Dr. Whitfield specialized in individual and group psychotherapy, with special interests in addictions and trauma. He received the National Child Advocate Award (Believe the Children, Chicago) in 1997. He was a Consultant and Research Collaborator at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, and has served on the Faculty of the Rutgers Summer Institute of Alcohol & Drug Studies for 24 years. He was a co-author on 8 published articles within the ACE study (Adverse Childhood Experiences) from the CDC. His recent books include The Truth about Depression, The Truth about Mental Illness, Not Crazy: You May Not be Mentally Ill, and Wisdom to Know the Difference: Core Issues in Relationships, Recovery and Living. He lived and practiced in Atlanta, Georgia until his death in 2021.