Dr. Shareefah Al'Uqdah
Associate Professor, Speaker, Psychologist
Phone:
202-643-8012
Email:
Address:
Howard University
School of Education
A Bit About My Research
Currently, Dr. Al’Uqdah serves as the Principal Investigator for two HRSA grants, which focus on enhancing training related to substance abuse and improving treatment for individuals in medically underserved areas. Her research centers on the psychological resilience of marginalized communities, with a particular focus on African American mental health, the effects of community violence, and the intersectionality of culture and identity.
Dr. Al’Uqdah has published extensively in respected journals such as the Journal of Family Violence and Counseling and Values. Additionally, her work on African American Muslim mental health will be featured in an upcoming publication by the American Psychiatric Association.
Outside of academia, Dr. Al’Uqdah is the Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Your Neighborhood Clinic, a not-for-profit organization providing accessible mental health services to underserved communities. Affectionately known as "Your Neighborhood Psychologist," she leverages her platform to promote mental health awareness and equity.
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As a loving wife and mother of four sons, Dr. Al’Uqdah is deeply committed to fostering wellness and healing in all the communities she serves.
Work Expertise
Clinical Expertise
Research & Publications
Community and Thought Leader
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Culturally Affirming Therapy – Providing psychological services tailored to ethnic minorities, women, and trauma survivors.
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Forensic & Addiction Psychology – Certified addiction professional with extensive training in forensic psychology, including an APA-accredited internship at St. Elizabeths Hospital.
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Violence & Trauma Intervention – Researching and developing strategies to mitigate the psychological effects of violence in urban communities.
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Public Health & Mental Health Integration – Addressing substance use, mental health disparities, and violence prevention in collaboration with public health initiatives.
A dedicated scholar, Dr. Al’Uqdah’s research focuses on the resilience of marginalized communities, with work featured in:
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Journal of Family Violence
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Counseling and Values
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Journal of Loss & Trauma
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Children's & Schools
She has also received over 3 million in grants. Currently, serving as the Principal Investigator for two HRSA grants, which fund training to improve substance abuse treatment in medically underserved areas.
Dr. Al’Uqdah is the Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Your Neighborhood Clinic, a not-for-profit mental health organization offering low-cost and insurance-based therapy. Her mission is to ensure culturally competent care is accessible to all.
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As a thought leader, she has been featured in media and public forums advocating for mental health equity, and she leverages her platform as "Your Neighborhood Psychologist" to raise awareness and empower communities.
Let's Connect
202-643-8012
