Dr. Vanessa N. Oliphant is an Assistant Professor of Psychology and African American Studies at the University of Mississippi and Director of the Culturally Centered Care Research Lab.
Research Interests
Trained in clinical and community psychology, Dr. Oliphant conducts culturally grounded research focused on Black mental health and holistic healing, with particular attention to Black women’s experiences. Her work draws upon African/Black Psychology, Black Feminist Thought, and strength-based approaches to examine culturally specific coping, mental health help-seeking, suicide prevention, and community-based pathways to healing.
Through research, teaching, and mentorship, Dr. Oliphant is committed to developing culturally responsive interventions and cultivating the next generation of scholars dedicated to advancing the health and well-being of Black communities.
Dr. Oliphant's research focuses on:
- Black women’s mental health and holistic healing
- Culturally specific coping and protective factors
- Suicide risk and prevention in Black communities
- Faith-based mental health interventions for Black women
- African-centered and community-based healing practices
- Racial stress and mental health among Black college students
Biography
Rooted in her faith and commitment to service, Dr. Oliphant is a proud first-generation college graduate and second-generation American from an underrepresented and low-income background. She's passionate about supporting students from similar walks of life achieve academically and learn to heal through research and writing. As a clinical psychologist-in-training in Mississippi, Dr. Oliphant directs the Culturally Centered Care research lab on campus and holds a joint faculty appointment in African American studies and psychology.
Her academic journey includes receiving a Bachelors in African American studies from the University of California, Berkeley, a Masters in community psychology from Florida A&M University (Go Rattlers!!), and a PhD in clinical psychology from Oklahoma State University. She completed her predoctoral internship/residency at UT health San Antonio, where she delivered evidence-based trauma treatment (e.g., prolonged exposure for PTSD) to veterans and provided clinical care to graduate students. Dr. Oliphant is now pursuing additional clinical training at Hays Behavioral Health and Wellness in Mississippi, where she's receiving guidance on how to deliver culturally relevant, evidence-based psychotherapy to primarily African American clients.
Publications
Benson, O.M., Oliphant, V.N., Clement, D.N., Wingate, L.R. (2025). Examining Spirituality as a Protective Factor Against Suicidality in Black Women Dealing with Everyday Discrimination. Women & Therapy. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/02703149.2024.2446831
Oliphant, V.N., Benson, O., Clement, D.N., Wingate, L.R. (2024). Calling on Hope: Examining the Protective Nature of Hope on Mental Health Risk Factors in Black Women. Journal of Black Studies, 55 (8), 623-367. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/00219347241265783
McNeal, R., Harris, M., & Oliphant, V.N. (2024). Re-envisioning Community-Engaged Healing for Black Women. Journal of International Women's Studies, 26(3), 5. DOI: https://vc.bridgew.edu/jiws/vol26/iss3/5
Oliphant, V. N., *Broyles, D., *Clement, D. N., Wingate, L. R. (2022). Mental Health Strategies Informed by Black Feminist Thought. Open Cultural Studies Journal, 6 (1), 137-146. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/culture-2022-0151
Courses Taught
- PSY 353 Black Psychology
Education
Ph.D. Clinical Psychology, Oklahoma State University (2025)
M.S. Psychology, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (2020)
Bachelor's African American Studies, University of California-Berkeley (2017)