Social Work Professor: Advancing Mental Health Equity
Dr. Lavi Wilson, DSW, LCAS, LCSW
Welcome
Welcome! I’m Dr. S. Lavi Wilson — social worker, licensed therapist, clinical supervisor, and mental health equity scholar with 15+ years in clinical practice and 10 years in higher education. I’m passionate about preparing future social workers, advancing justice-driven research, and using technology and AI to create inclusive, anti-oppressive spaces.
As an educator, consultant, and mom of three, I’m committed to empowering individuals, uplifting communities, and transforming systems through innovation and compassion.
Explore my work and let’s connect!
Dr. S. Lavi Wilson’s Education
Doctor of Social Work (DSW)
(Awarded: August 2014)
Concentration: Clinical Practice & Leadership
Masters of Science in Education (MSED) (Expected June 2025)
Concentration: Global Higher Education Management
Masters of Science in Social Work (MSSW)
(Awarded: May 2006)
Concentration: Mental Health and Substance Abuse
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology
(Awarded: December 2003)
Licensure and Certificates
Awards & Fellowships
Some of my notable honors include:
  • North Carolina Central University Department of Social Work Research Award | 2025
  • Yale Center for Faith & Culture Faculty Course Development Fellowship | 2025
  • SUNY Online Teaching Fellow: Experienced Online Practitioner | 2025
  • North Carolina Central University HBCU Entrepreneurship Research Fellowship Program | 2024
  • University of Michigan Diversity of Scholars Network | 2022
  • National Association of Black Social Workers (NABSW) Academy of African-Centered Social Work | 2021–2022
  • Center for Health Equity Research Fellow | 2021
  • North Carolina Central University Department of Social Work Teaching Award | 2021
  • NCCU Innovator of the Year | 2019
Teaching Philosophy: Empowerment & Inclusivity in Social Work Education
My Teaching Philosophy
Grounded in empowerment, equity, and inclusion, my teaching draws from core social work principles and clinical experience. I integrate anti-oppressive practice, critical race theory, and systems theory to foster inclusive, socially just learning environments. Inspired by bell hooks’ engaged pedagogy, I view education as a shared journey—where students and educators grow together and challenge systemic inequities.
I apply Knowles’ Theory of Andragogy to support adult learners, blending theory with lived experience. My approach emphasizes flexibility, collaboration, and reflective practice, encouraging critical thinking and real-world application.
Innovative tools like social media campaigns and telehealth simulations connect students to the evolving field of social work. Through inclusive pedagogy, culturally relevant materials, and responsive assessment, I cultivate a dynamic, supportive learning space that adapts to student needs and promotes lifelong learning.
Summary of Courses Taught:
I have taught a wide range of graduate-level social work courses across multiple institutions, covering key areas such as human behavior, policy, research, clinical practice, substance use, and macro-level interventions.
Expertise:
With a career rooted in excellence and innovation, I have dedicated myself to social work education, research, and mentorship across diverse institutions. My expertise includes curriculum development, field education, and evidence-based practice, all aimed at preparing future social workers for the profession’s evolving demands.
I’ve held several impactful roles, including:
  • Tenured Associate Professor of Social Work (NCCU): Leading curriculum design, mentoring students, and conducting DEI-centered research to advance social work education.
  • Online Field Faculty Advisor (CWRU): Overseeing field education, including student placements, agency partnerships, and field seminars.
  • Adjunct Instructor (SIU, Simmons, Winthrop, Columbia, Tulane): Contributing interdisciplinary knowledge and teaching expertise across various academic settings.
Through these roles, I remain committed to fostering student success, enhancing academic programs, and promoting inclusive, practice-ready education both online and in person.
My Scholarship:
My research centers on social justice, mental health, and cultural identity in Black communities, with a focus on culturally responsive care and education.
  • Cultural & Somatic Mental Health: I explore how Black women express depression and anxiety through the body, promoting therapeutic models like NTU psychotherapy to support healing.
  • Mental Health Disparities: I study barriers to care for African American young adults and advocate for culturally competent interventions.
  • Education & Development: I apply adult learning principles to mentor MSW students, promote experiential learning, and champion financial literacy in social work education.
  • Innovation in Practice: I use AI avatars to train social workers to recognize culturally specific symptoms in Black women, improving diagnostic accuracy and empathy.
Through my work, I aim to empower Black communities by blending traditional knowledge with innovative tools to advance equity, healing, and justice.
Recent Scholarship:
  • Wilson S. L., Crayton, B. and Williams L. (2024). Ophelia Settle Egypt (1903-1984): Pioneering voice in social justice and African centered activism. Journal of Ubuntu/Nyingi waUbuntu, 1(1), December 2024, 22-31. Link Here
  • Wilson, S. L. (2024). The intersection of mind and body: Somatic symptoms of depression in Black women. J. Women Health Care and Issues, 7(8). Link Here
  • Wilson, S. L. (2024). Understanding the hidden struggles: Cultural and somatic expressions of depression and anxiety in Black women. Women Health Care and Issues, 7(7). Link Here
  • Wilson, S.L. (2024). Treating Anxiety in Black Women with NTU Psychotherapy Practices. Journal of Women Health Care and Issues, 7(3); DOI:10.31579/2642-9756/198
  • Brown, C.S., & Wilson, S.L. (2024). The Effects of Authoritarian Parenting Style on Black Teenage Males. Acta Scientific Clinical Case Reports, (5)9, 3-10. Link Here
  • Muhammad, Z., & Wilson, S.L. (2024). Mental Health Disparities among African American Young Adults. Journal of Anxiety & Depression, 7(2), 1-10. Link Here
  • McInnis, C., & Wilson, S.L. (2024). An Auto Ethnography Defining the Impact of Racial Disparities on the Black Woman’s Maternal Experience through Storytelling. Acta Scientific Clinical Case Reports, 5.9, 25-37. Link Here
  • Dinnerson, Q.L., Wilson, S.L., Brooks-Eaves, M., & Grant, T. (2024). Using Storytelling and African Centered Social Work to Amplify a Black Man’s Voice!. Clinical Reviews and Case Reports, 3(5). Link Here
Book Chapters:
  • Wilson, S., Dinnerson, Q., & Peoples, A. (2025). Navigating resilience: Anti-oppressive social work and the ecological framework for Black children's identity and racialization. In M. T. Hines III (Ed.), The reclamation of Black Lives Matter in education. Chapter 5
  • Wilson, S.L, & Wilson, K. (2025). Addressing workplace bullying in the digital age: A micro, macro, and mezzo perspective. In M. D. Baez (Ed.), AI-powered leadership: Transforming organizations in the digital age (Chap. 11). IGI Global. Chapter 11
  • Wilson, S. L., & Dinnerson, Q. (2025). Bridging the gap: Addressing mental health disparities in the African American community. In A. El-Amin, K. Tyler, & Q. L. Marks (Eds.), Building health, resiliency, and unity in the Black community (Chap. 9). IGI Global. Chapter 9
Commentary & Opinion Articles:
  • Wilson, S. L. (2025, April 16). Embracing healing: The transformative power of trauma-informed care for families. Behavioral Health News. Here
  • Wilson, S. L., & Dinnerson, Q. (2025). Culturally responsive trauma-informed care: Addressing racial trauma in Black children, youth, and families. Child Welfare League of America. Here
  • Wilson, S. L. (2025). The musical genius of Beyoncé, David Bowie, Kendrick Lamar, and Janelle Monáe. National Center for Institutional Diversity. Here
  • Wilson, S. L. (2025, January 14). Black women and suicide: The silent crisis and its aftermath on families. Behavioral Health News. Here
My Clinical Experience:
Wake Forest University (2012–2014): Served as Substance Abuse Prevention Coordinator, providing assessments and evidence-based counseling for students with dual diagnoses. Led campus-wide prevention programs and chaired the Alcohol & Other Drug Coalition. Supervised Counselor Education practicum students.
North Carolina Central University (2011–2012): Provided individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, and psychoeducation as a Counselor and AOD Specialist. Led substance use prevention initiatives across campus and in the community.
Community Mental Health Affiliates (2006–2008): As an IOP Clinician, delivered intake, crisis, and therapeutic services for adolescents dealing with behavioral, mental health, and substance use concerns.
Supervision Statement:
Clinical Supervision Philosophy
As a clinician with a strong foundation in social work, education, and psychology—and a Doctor of Social Work in Clinical Practice & Leadership—I offer collaborative, strengths-based supervision focused on developing professional identity, therapeutic orientation, and ethical practice.
Supervision Approach
I support mental health interns and early-career clinicians through:
1
Goal Setting & Evaluation: We use mutual feedback, self-assessments, university evaluation forms, and a Therapist Evaluation Checklist to track growth and define supervision goals.
2
Confidentiality: All supervision is confidential, with exceptions related to client safety, supervisee impairment, or legal requirements.
3
Ethical Standards: I adhere to the NASW Code of Ethics and the guidelines of the NC Social Work Certification & Licensure Board and the NC Substance Abuse Professional Practice Board.
4
Emergency Contact Information
Contact Protocol
For the quickest response, email me at slaviwilson@gmail.com (no client names, please) and include a callback number. You may also text or call my business cell. For emergencies, dial 911.
Summary
My supervision is designed to empower ethical, competent, and innovative practitioners ready to lead, advocate, and make a meaningful impact in the communities they serve.
LCSW Supervision Inquiry
1
Supervision Meetings
Sessions are held online by appointment and last up to one hour. The fee is $60 per session ($40 for NCCU alumni). I strive to keep supervision affordable for those working toward licensure.
2
Payments
Invoices are sent via PayPal after each session, allowing payment by debit/credit card or bank transfer. This system also provides a record for tax or reimbursement purposes.
3
Appointments
Missed appointments are still billed unless canceled with at least 24 hours’ notice via the online calendar. Invoices must be paid before the next session.
Contact Information: Get in Touch for Collaboration and Inquiries:
Let’s Connect
I welcome collaboration with educators, researchers, and advocates passionate about social work, mental health, and equity.
Explore my work or reach out to discuss ideas—we can create meaningful change together.