According to the National Institute of Mental Health, more than one in five adults in the United States lives in the shadow of mental illness. At Wayne State University, faculty in the School of Health Sciences are actively engaged in education, research, and clinical care to address this widespread issue. Their goal is clear. It’s about improving the understanding, treatment and awareness of mental health issues.
At Wayne State College of Nursing, Umeika Stevens is working to help the next generation of health care workers address mental health issues. As a clinical assistant professor and coordinator of the Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Graduate Program, her work focuses on mental health awareness training. In this initiative, students will participate in her 675 hours of clinical internships in a variety of mental health settings. The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program instructs students in the complex issues of mental health treatment, including medication management, individual therapy, and broader group and family therapy.
On the research front, J. Lloyd Allen, associate professor in the School of Social Work, has conducted pioneering research on mental health issues faced by black male students, including stigma and limited access to services. Allen employs hip-hop music as a therapeutic tool, allowing students to express themselves and connect with their experiences. This innovative approach not only works as a treatment, but also greatly contributes to destigmatizing mental health issues within the community.
“This research began as a collaboration between a former student and myself,” Allen said. “He proposed that hip-hop, which resonates with many people and often addresses invisible struggles, drug use, and unspoken challenges, be used to reach black men. We thought this would be an effective way to encourage open discussion and explore their experiences.”
Mental health is treated clinically in the School of Medicine’s Stress, Trauma, and Anxiety Research Clinic (STARC). This treatment hub specializes in treating anxiety, trauma-related disorders, and PTSD through targeted clinical interventions. Run by psychiatrist and associate clinical scholar Arash Javanbhakt, the clinic provides support to a wide range of individuals, including civilians, first responders, law enforcement officers, refugees, and survivors of torture and human trafficking. are doing. By providing specialized clinical care, Mr. Javanbakht and his team of psychiatrists and students address the complex and diverse challenges that clients face and ensure they receive the critical support they need to heal and recover. I’m trying to make it possible. They use a variety of interventions, from psychotherapy and medication to advanced AI-enhanced mixed reality technology and lifestyle changes.
“Wayne State University takes great pride in our continued commitment to improving the well-being and quality of life for individuals, families, and communities throughout Detroit,” said Laurie, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Lauzon Clabo said. “Addressing mental health is one of society’s greatest challenges, and we are proud that our faculty, students, and researchers work every day to improve the lives of those we serve. think.”
