Dr. Isha W. Metzger | Licensed Clinical Psychologist | Racial Trauma Expert

• SPEAKER • RESEARCHER • TRAINER • AUTHOR • ADVOCATE FOR BLACK MENTAL HEALTH

Empowering individuals, families, organizations, and communities by addressing racial trauma and building lifelong resilience.

About Dr. Isha

Unofficially, I’m that girl. Officially, I’m a Licensed Clinical Pyschologist, thought leader, and unapologetic champion for Black mental health.

My Education and Training

I’ve trained at some of the nation’s top institutions to deliver culturally grounded, strengths- and evidence- based mental health care. My mission is to empower individuals, families, and communities by addressing racial trauma and fostering resilience. From national research awards to teaching distinctions and “40 Under 40” lists, I am consistently recognized for my bold leadership and impact in clinical science, advocacy, and community healing.

Yale University School of Public Health

2016-2017: Postdoctoral Research Fellowship

Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS (CIRA)

Research Education Institute for Diverse Scholars (REIDS)

University of South Carolina

2011-2015: Doctor of Philosophy

Clinical-Community Psychology (APA Accredited)

Department of Psychology

2009-2011: Masters of Arts

Clinical-Community Psychology (APA Accredited)

Department of Psychology

Medical University of South Carolina

2015-2017: Postdoctoral Research Fellowship

National Crime Victims Research and Treatment Center

Department of Psychiatry

Treatment Development and Dissemination Track

2014-2015: Clinical Psychology Predoctoral Internship

Charleston Consortium Psychology

Predoctoral Internship Training Program

Georgia State University

2005-2008: Bachelor of Arts

Department of Psychology, Summa Cum Laude

Advanced Research Honors Degree

AWARDS & HONORS

Humble Brags & Recognitions

2024 APA Journals Article Spotlight, “Population Mental Health Science,” American Psychological Association (APA)
2023 Adverse Childhood Experiences, Maltreatment & Polyvictimization Article Spotlight, “Black Moms Matter: A Qualitative Approach to Understanding Barriers to Service Utilization at a ‎Children’s Advocacy Center Following Childhood Abuse”, International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies
2023 Dean’s Outstanding Junior Faculty Early Career Award, Competitive award that recognizes early-career faculty in the College of Arts & Sciences who are emerging leaders in their field of research, teaching, scholarship, and creative activity, Georgia State University
2022 Article of the Year, 2021, “Healing Interpersonal and Racial Trauma: Integrating Racial Socialization into Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for African American Youth.” Child Maltreatment, The American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children and Sage Publishing

2022 Article of the Year, 2021, “Healing Interpersonal and Racial Trauma: Integrating Racial Socialization into Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for African American Youth.” Child Maltreatment, The American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children and Sage Publishing
2021 40 Under 40 Influential Alumni Award, Georgia State University Alumni Association
2021 APA Outstanding Contribution to Trauma Psychology by an Early Career Psychologist, APA Division 56- Trauma Psychology, American Psychological Association2021 ABCT Francis C. Sumner Excellence Award in Recognition of Innovative Health Disparities Research, Award-Winning Teaching History, and Contributions to University and Professional Service
Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies

2021 Research Award in Recognition of Creativity and Leadership on Research Studies that Contribute Meaningfully to Clinical Science, Clinical Psychology Program, University of Georgia
2020 Distinguished Scholar Distinction – Major Accomplishments in Securing Substantial Extramural Funding as a Principal Investigator, Owens Institute for Behavioral Research, University of Georgia
2020 Clinical Award for Outstanding Supervision, Clinical Psychology Program, University of Georgia
Multi Recognized as “Faculty who had a Significant, Positive Impact on the Career Decision-Making Process of a Graduate”, Career Center, University of Georgia; 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021

2019 Certificate in Diversity & Inclusion, University of Georgia, Office of Institutional Diversity
2019 Faculty Mentor of the Year, University of Georgia, Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Program
2019 A Common Call Regional Faculty Conference Grant, Faculty Commons, University of Georgia
2019 APA Journals Article Spring Spotlight, American Psychological Association
2018 Leadership Innovation in the Franklin Multicultural Curriculum, University of Georgia
2018 Teaching Award for Outstanding Instruction, Clinical Psychology Program, University of Georgia
2017 Early Career Fellow, Owens Institute of Behavioral Research, University of Georgia

2017 Mentored Fellow, Center for Translational and Prevention Science (P30DA027827), University of Georgia
2017 40 Under 40 Leaders in Health, National Minority Quality Forum
2016 Research Education Institute for Diverse Scholars (REIDS), Yale University
2016 APA Health Equity Ambassador, Health Disparities Initiative
2016 Community Engaged Scholars Program Inductee, Medical University of South Carolina
2015 APA Dissertation Research Grant, American Psychological Association
2013 State Doctoral Scholars Program Dissertation Grant, Southern Regional Education Board
2013 Nora and William Smith Endowed Fellowship, University of South Carolina

2013 Laura Griffin Graduate Research Grant, University of South Carolina
2013 Exemplary Award for Outstanding Service, University of South Carolina
2012 Graduate Student Research Award, University of South Carolina
2012 Preparing Future Faculty (PFF) Credential, Center for Teaching Excellence, University of South Carolina
2011 Gamecock Scholars Academic Scholarship, University of South Carolina
2010 Continuing Graduate Incentive Fellowship, University of South Carolina
2010 FORD Foundation Predoctoral Fellowship Program, Honorable Mention
2009 Graduate Incentive Fellowship, University of South Carolina

AWARDS & HONORS

2024 APA Journals Article Spotlight, “Population Mental Health Science,” American Psychological Association (APA)
2023 Adverse Childhood Experiences, Maltreatment & Polyvictimization Article Spotlight, “Black Moms Matter: A Qualitative Approach to Understanding Barriers to Service Utilization at a ‎Children’s Advocacy Center Following Childhood Abuse”, International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies
2023 Dean’s Outstanding Junior Faculty Early Career Award, Competitive award that recognizes early-career faculty in the College of Arts & Sciences who are emerging leaders in their field of research, teaching, scholarship, and creative activity, Georgia State University
2022 Article of the Year, 2021, “Healing Interpersonal and Racial Trauma: Integrating Racial Socialization into Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for African American Youth.” Child Maltreatment, The American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children and Sage Publishing

2022 Article of the Year, 2021, “Healing Interpersonal and Racial Trauma: Integrating Racial Socialization into Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for African American Youth.” Child Maltreatment, The American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children and Sage Publishing
2021 40 Under 40 Influential Alumni Award, Georgia State University Alumni Association
2021 APA Outstanding Contribution to Trauma Psychology by an Early Career Psychologist, APA Division 56- Trauma Psychology, American Psychological Association2021 ABCT Francis C. Sumner Excellence Award in Recognition of Innovative Health Disparities Research, Award-Winning Teaching History, and Contributions to University and Professional Service
Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies

2021 Research Award in Recognition of Creativity and Leadership on Research Studies that Contribute Meaningfully to Clinical Science, Clinical Psychology Program, University of Georgia
2020 Distinguished Scholar Distinction – Major Accomplishments in Securing Substantial Extramural Funding as a Principal Investigator, Owens Institute for Behavioral Research, University of Georgia
2020 Clinical Award for Outstanding Supervision, Clinical Psychology Program, University of Georgia
Multi Recognized as “Faculty who had a Significant, Positive Impact on the Career Decision-Making Process of a Graduate”, Career Center, University of Georgia; 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021

2019 Certificate in Diversity & Inclusion, University of Georgia, Office of Institutional Diversity
2019 Faculty Mentor of the Year, University of Georgia, Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Program
2019 A Common Call Regional Faculty Conference Grant, Faculty Commons, University of Georgia
2019 APA Journals Article Spring Spotlight, American Psychological Association
2018 Leadership Innovation in the Franklin Multicultural Curriculum, University of Georgia
2018 Teaching Award for Outstanding Instruction, Clinical Psychology Program, University of Georgia
2017 Early Career Fellow, Owens Institute of Behavioral Research, University of Georgia

2017 Mentored Fellow, Center for Translational and Prevention Science (P30DA027827), University of Georgia
2017 40 Under 40 Leaders in Health, National Minority Quality Forum
2016 Research Education Institute for Diverse Scholars (REIDS), Yale University
2016 APA Health Equity Ambassador, Health Disparities Initiative
2016 Community Engaged Scholars Program Inductee, Medical University of South Carolina
2015 APA Dissertation Research Grant, American Psychological Association
2013 State Doctoral Scholars Program Dissertation Grant, Southern Regional Education Board
2013 Nora and William Smith Endowed Fellowship, University of South Carolina

2013 Laura Griffin Graduate Research Grant, University of South Carolina
2013 Exemplary Award for Outstanding Service, University of South Carolina
2012 Graduate Student Research Award, University of South Carolina
2012 Preparing Future Faculty (PFF) Credential, Center for Teaching Excellence, University of South Carolina
2011 Gamecock Scholars Academic Scholarship, University of South Carolina
2010 Continuing Graduate Incentive Fellowship, University of South Carolina
2010 FORD Foundation Predoctoral Fellowship Program, Honorable Mention
2009 Graduate Incentive Fellowship, University of South Carolina

RESEARCH & RESOURCES

Where science meets service - I always show my work and save my receipts.

The EMPOWER Lab

The EMPOWER Lab conducts cutting-edge, culturally grounded research to reduce mental health disparities and improve outcomes for Black youth and families. Through increasing engagement in mental health treatment, community outreach, education and training, we train providers, engage communities, and build a pipeline of diverse scholars dedicated to equity.

Media

Dr. Metzger is excited to share her expertise with the news and media! Dr. Metzger has nearly 15 years’ experience in interpersonal and racial trauma and mass violence. Dr. Metzger is available for booking, and she is sure to be a dynamic addition to your television or radio show, magazine, podcast, YouTube, or news article!

Publications

Explore Dr. Metzger’s peer-reviewed research on racial trauma, resilience, family-based interventions, and culturally informed therapy. These articles are cited nationally and shape the field of Black mental health.

Resources

Find expert-curated materials—from children’s books to toolkits, directories, videos, and award-winning podcasts—focused on healing, racial socialization, and culturally competent care. Come back often, we’re always adding more.

Training

Training for Organizations Ready to Center Equity and Racial Trauma Healing

speaking

Speaking Engagements on Racial Healing, Black Youth and Families, Mental Health & Trauma-Informed Care