Dr Cynthia G. S. Franklin is an academic, clinician, researcher and teacher with an international reputation for her groundbreaking work. She is best known for her expertise in Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and the mental health of young people, families and communities. Dr Franklin is Stiernberg/Spencer Family Professor in Mental Health at The University of Texas at Austin, where she is also past Associate Dean for Doctoral Education in the Steve Hicks School of Social Work.

Dr Franklin has more than 200 academic publications to her name and is Editor-In-Chief for the Encyclopedia of Social Work. She was previously Editor-In-Chief of the journal Children in Schools.

Dr Franklin was co-developer of a highly successful solution-focused program designed to prevent dropouts at Gonzalo Garza Independence High School in Austin. The program has been widely acclaimed on a national scale.

Dr Franklin has received multiple awards across her career, including the Gary Lee Shaffer award for academic contributions to school social work. She was also named a Social Work Pioneer by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).