Dr. Isha W. Metzger
Dr. Isha W. Metzger
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
About Me
Dr. Isha W. Metzger is a first generation American from Atlanta, Georgia by way of Sierra Leone, West Africa. Dr. Metzger is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Founder and Director of The EMPOWER Lab, Owner of Cultural Concepts, LLC, a Certified Therapist in Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT), and she is the Mental Health expert for Salone Health, an organization dedicated to improving the health of Sierra Leoneans at home and abroad.
Assistant Professor
Adjunct Assistant Professor, Graduate Faculty
Visiting Research Faculty
Director, The EMPOWER Lab
"Engaging Minorities in Prevention, Outreach, Wellness, Education, & Research"Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT) Certified Therapist
The overarching goal of Dr. Metzger’s career is to take a strengths based, anti-deficit approach to prevention for youth of color. Dr. Metzger stands against anti-Black racism and oppression through "Engaging Minorities in Prevention, Outreach, Wellness, Education, & Research" through community-based participatory methods and advocacy. Both personally and professionally, Dr. Metzger is heavily invested in mentoring and training the next generation of community based prevention scientists.
Education & Training
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)
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
University of South Carolina
2011-2015
Doctor of Philosophy
Clinical-Community Psychology (APA Accredited)
Department of Psychology
Medical University of South Carolina
2014-2015
Clinical Psychology Predoctoral Internship
Charleston Consortium Psychology
Predoctoral Internship Training Program
University of South Carolina
2009-2011
Masters of Arts
Clinical-Community Psychology (APA Accredited)
Department of Psychology
Georgia State University
2005-2008
Bachelor of Arts
Department of Psychology, Summa Cum Laude
Advanced Research Honors Degree
Awards & Honors
2022
Georgia State University, 40 under 40 Class of 2022
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
Research Award in recognition of creativity and leadership on research studies that contribute meaningfully to clinical science, Clinical Psychology Program, University of Georgia
Recognized as “faculty who had a significant, positive, impact on the career decision-making process of a graduate”, Career Center, University of Georgia
2020
Clinical Award for Outstanding Supervision, Clinical Psychology Program, University of Georgia
2019
Recognized as “faculty who had a significant, positive, impact on the career decision-making process of a graduate in the class of 2019”, Career Center, University of Georgia
Certificate in Diversity & Inclusion, University of Georgia, Office of Institutional Diversity
Faculty Mentor of the Year, University of Georgia, Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate ProgramA Common Call Regional Faculty Conference Grant, Faculty Commons, University of Georgia
APA Journals Article Spring Spotlight, American Psychological Association
2018
Leadership Innovation in the Franklin Multicultural Curriculum, University of Georgia Teaching Award for Outstanding Instruction, Clinical Psychology Program, University of Georgia
2017
Early Career Fellow, Owens Institute of Behavioral Research, University of Georgia
Mentored Fellow, Center for Translational and Prevention Science (P30DA027827) University of Georgia
40 Under 40 Leaders in Health, National Minority Quality Forum
2016
APA Dissertation Research Grant, American Psychological Association
Community Engaged Scholars Program Inductee, Medical University of South Carolina
APA Health Equity Ambassador, Health Disparities Initiative
Research Education Institute for Diverse Scholars (REIDS), Yale University
2013
State Doctoral Scholars Program Dissertation Grant, Southern Regional Education Board
Nora and William Smith Endowed Fellowship, University of South Carolina
Laura Griffin Graduate Research Grant, University of South Carolina
Exemplary Award for Outstanding Service, University of South Carolina
2012
Graduate Student Research Award, University of South Carolina
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
FORD Foundation Predoctoral Fellowship Program, Honorable Mention
2009
Graduate Incentive Fellowship, University of South Carolina
Areas of Practice
MEDIA APPEARANCE
Peace of Mind with Taraji
PTSD with Rapper G Herbo: Not Just from Combat
Each day on average 26 Black Americans are killed by guns. Rapper G Herbo reveals how he suffers from PTSD as a result of growing up around gun violence and why he is now using his platform to help other Black men seek mental health services. Community activist Harry Bell shares how witnessing multiple shootings left him struggling with alcohol and suicidal thoughts. Therapist Isha Metzger sheds light on the personal and community impacts of gun violence, and how these life-threatening weapons specifically cause harm to the Black community. Taraji P. Henson hosts; watch online.reach out
Let's get in touch!
Georgia State University, Department of Psychology, 140 Decatur Street, Atlanta, GA
30303By Appointment404-784-7659
© 2022.