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MY STORY...Working to Educate, Enlighten, and Empower Others

My Mission

To use my training and developed skills as a Psychologist, community programmer, and researcher to serve communities of color of NYC as a mental health professional, educator, and mentor.  Specifically, working with female adolescents and adults to reach their fullest potential through developing healthier methods of coping with an array of life stressors that tax their self-esteem and overall life outlook.  

My Vision

To use my education, influence, and platform to educate, enlighten, and empower those underserved and communities of color, while honoring the legacy of the ancestors as it relates to a sense of community.  I aim to help individuals respond to challenges related to stress, race, and mental health. Specifically, helping adolescences, adults, and families, help themselves, as they navigate this journey called life with regard to relationships, life stressors, cultural stressors, coping with life transitions, and careers. Therefore, assisting each person to work to reach their fullest potential through clinical intervention, but also mentoring... guiding them to be bold and embrace each aspect of their journey of life.

My Journey

I received a Bachelor of Science degree (BS) in the field of General Psychology from Morgan State University (MSU) in 2001. In 2008, I received the Ph.D. degree in Clinical-Community Psychology from University of South Carolina (USC).


Since 2003, I have sought and obtained research grants to examine the impact of racial oppression on coping typologies and mental and physical health outcomes among minority populations. To date, my research findings suggest that coping typologies differ according to the location and situation, indicating that Blacks have the ability to adapt and utilize higher cognitive processes such as problem solving strategies to combat the stress of racism in America. I attend both national and regional conferences to present my research. Additionally, my research interests and findings have shaped the foundation for the books I have authored and the lectures I have given. 


In March 2008, I founded a community based mentoring program titled, Project Triple E, which stands for “Educate, to Enlighten, to Empower.” The project operated as a bi-monthly educational group geared towards assisting minority youth, ages 13-18 years in their college/career pursuits - utilizing education, mentorship, and cultural activities. Project Triple E’s objectives aid in facilitating the current Psychological Mentoring Group (started 2011) in which I meet on a monthly basis with undergraduate students who are interested in pursuing graduate level degrees. The Psychological Mentoring Group guides students through the array of steps to enter graduate school, obtain funding, and successfully complete program of study.


In August 2010, I began teaching on the professorial level via the City University of New York (CUNY) system.  I continue to navigate through professorial rank. August 2022, I received Tenure and was promoted to Associate Professor of Psychology via CUNY, where I continue to provide instruction and mentorship to a diverse undergraduate student population. I obtained licensure as a Clinical Psychologist in the state of New York in December 2010. As a Licensed Psychologist, I provide comprehensive assessment and psychotherapy to impoverished and disenfranchised children, adolescents, and adults presenting mild to severe mental health outcomes. Additionally, I continue to engage in community programming and minority health research as a means to further examine the racism-coping phenomena, in addition to developing interventions to counteract the maladaptive effects of racism in America.


My overall objective is to use my training as an educator, clinician, researcher, and community programmer to educate, empower, and develop programs for underserved & disenfranchised communities in various cities and states. As a result of this objective, in addition to the above noted work, I have authored two books to date. My first book, titled, “Letters to the Black Community” (2012; e-book, 2018) combines my minority health research and clinical intervention within the Black community. “Letters to the Black Community” aims to educate individuals about the multitude of ways in which internalized oppression affect the Black psyche.  Not only do I point out this dilemma, but I offer solutions to combat this phenomenon, which I hope serves as a catalyst for Black community change. This book is also available via E-book format. The second book, “The Steps I Took” (2013), is a workbook for high school and college students. It provides detailed strategic planning to guide students in pursuit of their next level of academia regardless of academic and/or career interest.


In my free time, I enjoy traveling abroad to explore other parts of the world and learn firsthand about Africa's influence and continued presence nationwide.  I also enjoy cycling and participating in many of the organized bike tours in the Tri-State areas.  


They Say it Takes a Village... Let's Create Change Together

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Dr. Eugena K. Griffin

Licensed Psychologist

Please contact me if you would be interested in speaking with me regarding psychotherapy services, book orders, or speaking engagements.

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