Charles E. Schaefer (November 15, 1933 – September 19, 2020) was an American psychologist who is widely regarded as the "Father of Play Therapy." He made appearances on various television shows, including The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Today Show, and Good Morning America.

Dr. Schaefer served as a Professor of Psychology and was the Director of both the Center for Psychological Services and the Crying Baby Clinic at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, New Jersey.

He was the co-founder and director emeritus of the Association for Play Therapy in Fresno, California, and the founder and co-director of the Play Therapy Training Institute in Hightstown, New Jersey. Over his prolific career, he authored more than 50 books. One of his notable works, Raising Baby Right (Crown Publisher, 1992) was named 1992 Book of the Year by Child Magazine.

The Association for Play Therapy awarded Schaefer the Play Therapy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006 and the Distinguished Service Award in 1996. Fairleigh Dickinson University honored him with the Distinguished Faculty Award for Research & Scholarship in 1994, and Fairfield University recognized him with the Alumni Professional Achievement Award in 1969.