Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Empowering African Communities Through Culturally Grounded Psychology
The Association of Black Psychologists (ABPsi) has been a pioneering force in African-centered cultural competence and scholarly activism since 1968. Founded to address systemic racism and promote the mental health of African-descended communities, we specialize in advancing the science of African/Black Psychology through certification programs, healing circles, and organizational consultation. Our team of over 1,400 members includes certified professionals who have undergone rigorous training in culturally grounded practices rooted in African epistemologies.As leaders in social justice advocacy, we develop transformative programs that influence policy, empower communities, and provide culturally affirming solutions for schools, organizations, and individuals globally. Our ethical standards and commitment to community-driven research have established us as a trusted authority in culturally responsive psychological practices.
Services
Certification in African/Black Psychology
Sawubona Healing Circles
School Consultation
Global Institute Programs
Jegnaship Mentorship
Organizational Training
Crisis Response Initiatives
Professional Development
Cultural Competency Workshops
Community Mental Health
Details
- Year established: 1968
Highlights and features
- We offer 56+ years of expertise in African-centered psychological practices
- Our certified professionals complete rigorous CABP training in cultural competence
- We implement Ubuntu-based healing circles for racial trauma recovery
- Our school consultation programs promote Black excellence in education
- We maintain ethical standards aligned with African-centered worldview principles
Services
Certification in African/Black Psychology
Our Certification in African/Black Psychology (CABP) establishes proficiency standards for African-centered psychological practices. Rooted in traditional African epistemologies, this program trains professionals in culturally congruent methods that address community-specific mental health needs while maintaining rigorous academic and practical requirements.
Sawubona Healing Circles
These culturally grounded healing spaces address racial trauma through ancestral wisdom and African-centered wellness strategies. Facilitated by trained professionals, the circles use Ubuntu principles and Nguzo Saba frameworks to promote collective healing, self-determination, and community resilience without substituting clinical therapy.
School Consultation
Our school district consultation programs cultivate culturally affirming educational environments. Through professional development workshops and systemic analysis, we help educators implement practices that nurture Black students' academic excellence while addressing institutional barriers to educational equity and cultural representation.
Global Institute Programs
The ABPsi Global Institute provides accessible education in African-centered psychology through virtual courses and workshops. Our platform delivers content created by subject matter experts, focusing on personal growth, community healing, and social transformation while preserving traditional African knowledge systems and contemporary applications.
Jegnaship Mentorship
This mentorship program connects students with experienced professionals embodying Jegna principles of wisdom and community service. Through structured correspondence and convention roundtables, mentees gain career guidance, cultural knowledge, and professional development opportunities that maintain African-centered values and intergenerational knowledge transfer.
People
Sharon L. Bethea
President
Dr. Bethea serves as ABPsi President, leading initiatives in African-centered psychology and social justice. With decades of experience in mental health advocacy, she directs strategic programs that advance cultural competence and community empowerment through psychological practice.
Monique Swift
President Elect
Dr. Swift focuses on organizational development and systemic transformation within ABPsi. As President Elect, she works to expand access to culturally grounded psychological services while maintaining the association's commitment to African-centered principles and community-driven solutions.
Rachel Mingo
Treasurer
Dr. Mingo manages ABPsi's financial operations while contributing to educational initiatives. Her work ensures sustainable program development and resource allocation that supports the association's mission of advancing African-centered psychological practices and community well-being.
Shawn Utsey
Featured Expert
Dr. Utsey contributes to ABPsi's research and educational content, including the documentary 'Towards a Black Psychology.' His work focuses on cultural competence, racial trauma, and the application of African-centered principles in psychological research and practice.
Wade Nobles
Wisdom Keeper
Dr. Nobles serves as CABP Wisdom Keeper, preserving traditional African psychological frameworks. With over 50 years of experience, he maintains the philosophical integrity of ABPsi's certification program and guides the organization's adherence to authentic African epistemologies.
Questions
What is African-centered psychology?
African-centered psychology prioritizes African cultural frameworks, epistemologies, and healing traditions in understanding mental health. ABPsi programs emphasize communal relationships, ancestral wisdom, and systemic analysis of racialized experiences while maintaining scientific rigor.
How can I become CABP certified?
Certification requires ABPsi membership for three years, adherence to ethical standards, and demonstration of knowledge in African-centered psychology. Applicants submit documentation and pay fees totaling $400 for initial certification, with biennial renewals required.
Are healing circles therapy sessions?
No, Sawubona Healing Circles provide culturally affirming support spaces rather than clinical therapy. They use African communal practices to address racial trauma but do not replace professional mental health treatment when needed.
Do you offer student programs?
Yes, our Jegnaship Mentorship connects students with professionals, and the Student Circle provides networking, scholarship opportunities, and professional development tailored to emerging psychologists of African descent.
How do school consultations work?
Our consultants partner with districts to implement culturally responsive teaching methods, address systemic inequities, and create environments that affirm Black students' identities through professional development and organizational assessments.
What global initiatives exist?
ABPsi International extends our mission globally through research collaborations, cultural exchange programs, and mental health initiatives that address the needs of African-descended communities worldwide using locally grounded approaches.
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