Dr. Brianna Baker: Postdoctoral Fellow at City University of New York, United States
Brianna A. Baker is an accomplished public health psychologist with a strong commitment to promoting health equity and mental health justice. She works at the intersection of mental health, community health, and policy, with a focus on developing and implementing interventions that support the well-being of women, girls, and their families, particularly within marginalized communities. Brianna’s passion for advancing equitable healthcare systems is reflected in her academic training and professional experience, which includes leading research projects, consulting with community-based organizations, and working on policy initiatives aimed at eliminating health disparities. Through her work, she seeks to create systemic change that improves access to quality care and mental health services for underserved populations.
Online Profiles
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Total Citations: 5
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Documents Cited: 5
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Brianna’s online presence serves as a platform to connect with peers, share insights, and promote her ongoing work in public health psychology. Her professional website, briannaabaker.com, provides an overview of her research projects, publications, and consulting services. Additionally, Brianna actively contributes to discussions on Twitter and LinkedIn, where she engages with other health equity professionals and shares the latest developments in her research. Her social media presence extends her reach to a broader audience, including policymakers, community organizers, and those passionate about mental health and social justice. She also uses her platforms to highlight key issues in mental health disparities, particularly in communities of color, and to advocate for more inclusive policies.
Education
Brianna is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Counseling Psychology at Teachers College, Columbia University, where she focuses on the psychological experiences of Black women and girls. Her doctoral research, which explores Black mother-daughter relationships across the life course, has earned her recognition in the field and supports her broader focus on resilience and family systems. She is also completing a Behavioral Health Policy Certificate at Bowie State University and has received extensive training in clinical psychology through her APA-accredited fellowship at Yale University. Prior to her Ph.D., Brianna graduated with honors from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she earned dual bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Interdisciplinary Studies (African American Community Health), further solidifying her commitment to researching the intersections of health, identity, and race.
Research Focus
Brianna’s research aims to deepen our understanding of how racial, gendered, and cultural identities shape health outcomes, particularly in the context of mental health and resilience. Her dissertation, “Because of Her, I Am, I Want, and I Will Be,” explores the psychosocial significance of Black mother-daughter relationships, with a focus on identity formation, emotional resilience, and intergenerational support. Brianna also investigates the impacts of gender-based violence on women and girls in sports, with a strong emphasis on prevention and policy reform. Her work in clinical and community psychology addresses disparities in mental health services and outcomes for marginalized communities, particularly focusing on trauma-informed care, cultural competency, and prevention strategies that empower communities to thrive.
Experience
Brianna’s diverse professional experience includes roles as a clinical consultant, research assistant, and project lead in both academic and community settings. As a Clinical and Community Psychology Fellow at Yale University, she has worked on evaluating and implementing evidence-based mental health interventions for youth and families. Her consulting work with Harlem Strong focuses on mental health integration in schools and community organizations, while her role with Black Doc Village involves qualitative research that addresses racial disparities in healthcare. Additionally, Brianna has served as an Expert Consultant for the JED Foundation, advising on mental health programs for marginalized youth. Her extensive experience in program evaluation, community-based participatory research, and policy analysis equips her to lead and collaborate on initiatives that address mental health disparities and promote wellness in underrepresented populations.
Research Timeline & Activities
Brianna’s research trajectory spans several key phases, from her undergraduate studies at the University of North Carolina to her current work at CUNY and Yale University. During her time at UNC, she conducted research on the psychological effects of Hurricane Matthew on African American communities and co-authored a paper on resilience. Her graduate research at Columbia University centers on Black maternal health and the impact of intergenerational relationships on well-being. At Yale, Brianna has been leading a multi-site trial to assess a collaborative care model for youth mental health. She is currently spearheading research on gender-responsive mental health interventions for women and girls, including exploring tech-enabled solutions to expand access to care. Additionally, Brianna has contributed to multiple interdisciplinary research teams, working on projects focused on mental health resilience, racial disparities in healthcare, and prevention science.
Awards & Honors
Brianna’s work has been widely recognized through numerous prestigious awards and fellowships. In 2025, she will receive the Distinguished Dissertation Award from the APA’s Division 17 (Society of Counseling Psychology). She has also received the Robert Wood Johnson Health Policy Dissertation Award (2023) and was honored with the George Orley Student Mental Health Advocate Award in 2024. Brianna has been a recipient of several fellowships, including the APA Predoctoral MHSAS Fellowship, Families USA Health Equity Academy Fellowship, and the American Psychological Association Leadership Development Institute Fellowship. These accolades speak to her exceptional contributions to advancing mental health care and health equity, particularly for communities of color. In addition, Brianna has been recognized for her leadership in public health and her work as a mentor to other graduate students and young professionals.
Top Noted Publication
One of Brianna’s most notable publications, “Because of Her, I Am, I Want, and I Will Be,” offers an in-depth look at Black mother-daughter relationships, shedding light on the unique cultural and psychological factors that influence identity and resilience in Black women across the life course. This study has provided critical insights into how intergenerational relationships can foster emotional well-being and strengthen family systems, making a significant contribution to counseling psychology and maternal health research. Brianna’s research on this topic has been cited in several academic journals and is often referenced in discussions on race, gender, and mental health. Her work has implications for improving mental health interventions and family support programs, particularly for Black communities, and continues to inform her ongoing research on resilience and trauma prevention.
“Psychosocial Correlates of Activism Engagement Among Black Women During the 2020 Racial Unrest” is set to be published in Discover Psychology in 2025. Here’s a breakdown of the key points based on the information provided:
Article Details:
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Title: Psychosocial Correlates of Activism Engagement Among Black Women During the 2020 Racial Unrest
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Published in: Discover Psychology
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Access: Open access
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Publication Year: 2025