Psychology Professor Thema Bryant-Davis Serves as Panelist for National Convening on Minority Mental Health
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Thema Bryant-Davis (MDiv ’16), associate professor of psychology at the Graduate School
of Education and Psychology (GSEP), was selected as a speaker and panelist for a joint
White House, Department of Health and Human Services, and American Psychological Association
Office of Ethnic Minority Affairs conference held in Washington, DC, on November 28.
In their decision to include Bryant-Davis, organizers of the meeting cited the significant
body of research she has contributed in the area of minority mental health, her extensive
work for the American Psychological Association, her reputation as a private Los Angeles
clinician, and her involvement with GSEP.
The conference highlighted the unique and persistent behavioral health disparity challenges
for communities of color and the development of possible strategies to resolve these
enduring behavioral health equity issues on a national and local level.
“The most meaningful part was being able to connect with people across institutions
and agencies that are committed to enhancing mental health, especially for underserved
populations,” Bryant- Davis says of the experience. “I hope the information I presented
will help families by raising awareness about the unique challenges and strengths
of the African American community.”