Ed-Dee G. Williams, PhD will be presenting on the unique experiences of Black Americans with depression and their help-seeking behaviors. Specifically, he will discuss approaching mental health with an intersectional perspective, understanding how aspects of race, gender, age, and dis/ability can affect how Black Americans experience, exhibit and address mental health needs and concerns. In this talk, Dr. Williams will present current research on Black Americans’ mental health and will share his recent research on Black boys’ experiences with depression and their help-seeking choices as a complex social process. Current MSP students, faculty, and staff may attend in person in room 4. A Zoom option will also be available to those who RSVP.
Dr. Ed-Dee Williams is a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Michigan School of Social Work in the LEVEL-UP Lab and Curtis Center for Health Equity Research and Training. He will be transitioning to Boston College School of Social Work as an Assistant Professor in the summer of 2023. Dr. Williams uses a mixed methods approach and a socio-ecological lens to examine Black/African American boys’ experiences with depression and the mental health help-seeking behaviors of Black/African American boys and integrating Black boys’ views, perceptions and beliefs into available mental health services. Additionally, Dr. Williams develops and evaluates innovative simulation-based interventions to support Black and Black autistic youth help-seeking for depression and mental distress.
