Bio Sketch

Peter A. Lichtenberg, Ph.D. is the past Director of the Institute of Gerontology (1999-2024) and was the Founding Director of the Wayne State University Lifespan Alliance. Dr. Lichtenberg is a Distinguished University Service Professor of Psychology and Gerontology. He is a clinical psychologist and obtained his Ph.D. at Purdue University in 1986 and completed post-doctoral training in geriatric neuropsychology from the University of Virginia. Dr. Lichtenberg received his diploma in Rehabilitation Psychology in 1997 and his Diploma in Clinical Geropsychology in 2013. Dr. Lichtenberg has been at Wayne State University since 1991.

Dr. Lichtenberg is a national expert in financial capacity assessment and financial exploitation of older adults. Dr. Lichtenberg, one of the first board certified Clinical Geropsychologists in the nation, has made contributions to the practice of psychology across a variety of areas including in Alzheimer’s disease, medical rehabilitation and with those suffering from late life depression. He is particularly interested in the area of intersection between financial capacity and financial exploitation; finding ways to balance autonomy and protection for older adults. He has published articles on psychological vulnerability and fraud and is nationally known for his work on financial decision making, capacity and undue influence. He has conducted independent medical evaluations and expert witness work over 200 times in the past decade on issues related to older adults and capacity as well as undue influence. He has taught clinicians across the nation on improving their assessments of capacity and of financial exploitation. Dr. Lichtenberg is the author of seven books including the 2015 APA 2 Volume Handbook of He has authored or co-authored over 220 peer review journal articles and book chapters.

Dr. Lichtenberg has been a well funded researcher and is currently holding key roles in several investigator and center-related grants.

Dr. Lichtenberg has been active in service to the profession throughout his career; holding many board positions, and leadership roles in the American Psychological Association, Gerontological Society of America and Psychologists in Long Term Care. Dr. Lichtenberg was elected to the position of Vice President, President and Chairman of the Board for the Gerontological Society of America beginning in 2021-2023. For a full listing of local and national service please see his CV below.

View Dr. Lichtenberg's credentials. 

Research Focus

Financial decision making, financial exploitation and financial capacity in older adults. Neurocognitive impairment, late life depression and impacts on quality of life and longevity

Areas of Expertise

A specialist in both Rehabilitation Psychology and Clinical Geropsychology. Post-doctorally trained Geriatric Neuropsychologist.

Office Location

238 Knapp

Office Phone

(248)497-3088

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