Facebook pixel Pepperdine Associate Professor Dr. Thema Bryant-Davis to Serve as Panelist for National Convening on Minority Mental Health | Newsroom | Graduate School of Education and Psychology Newsroom Skip to main content
Pepperdine | Graduate School of Education and Psychology

Pepperdine Associate Professor Dr. Thema Bryant-Davis to Serve as Panelist for National Convening on Minority Mental Health

Bryant-Davis to Present at Joint Event with White House, Department of Health and Human Services, and American Psychological Association's Office of Ethnic Minority Affairs


WASHINGTON, DC – Nov. 21, 2016 – In a nod to the growing national profile for Pepperdine's Graduate School of Education and Psychology, associate professor Dr. Thema Bryant-Davis has been announced 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 event to be held on November 28th, 2016 in the capital.

In their decision to include Dr. Bryant-Davis, organizers of the meeting cited the significant body of research she has contributed in the area of minority mental health, along with her extensive work for the American Psychological Association, her reputation as a private Los Angeles clinician, and her appointment at Pepperdine's prestigious graduate program.

Topics to be addressed within the convening include highlighting the unique and persistent behavioral health disparity challenges for communities of color, along with the development of possible strategies to resolve these enduring behavioral health equity issues on a national and local level. There will also be a review of the unique and innovative best practices, policies and engagement protocols by both national and local community leaders for youth and young adults.

Panelists will discuss "caring for the caregivers," recognizing the need to confront mental and behavioral health issues for these leaders in their roles as de facto caregivers for the larger community. Finally, the group will explore how the ACA and other government healthcare programs can work together to provide the resources and information essential to combating and overcoming these mental health challenges for people of color nationwide.

"Dr. Thema Bryant-Davis has long been viewed as a leader within the field of mental health, and an expert on the unique challenges and constraints facing minorities today when it comes to seeking and receiving treatment. While we're thrilled she is to be included at this event, I can't say it's a surprise. She is extremely well regarded by students, faculty and administration at Pepperdine University," says Dr. Karen Semien-McBride, Executive Director of Marketing and Enrollment at Pepperdine's Graduate School of Education & Psychology.

As a licensed psychologist, minister and sacred artist, Dr. Bryant-Davis began her position at Pepperdine in 2007, where she is now a tenured associate professor teaching "Trauma in Diverse Populations," as well as "Mental Health Systems," and "Human Sexuality." Dr. Bryant-Davis' recent appointment as a panelist adds to the significant number of prominent speakers, authors and award recipients among distinguished faculty, alumni, and administration at the Graduate School. According to many pundits, this national recognition is consistent with Pepperdine's role as a top tier program within its field for the United States.

"She's a great professor, and has done amazing work for communities of color across the country with her research. I know she'll contribute a great deal in her role as a national panelist," says one former student. "The Graduate School of Education and Psychology emphasizes not just the importance of personal achievement, but the ways in which we can truly give back to the larger community as a whole with our training, experience, and diverse perspectives."

Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2016/11/19/11G122734/Images/140239-96b952f548729ce1be435a5137d0e6b2.jpg

###

Media Contact:

Dr. Karen Semien-McBride

Executive Director of Marketing & Enrollment

karen.semien-mcbride@pepperdine.edu | 310.258.2892

www.gsep.pepperdine.edu