Dr. Vanessa Oliphant is a joint Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology and African American Studies at the University of Mississippi. She is also the Director of the Culturally Centered Care Research Lab.
Research Interests
Dr. Oliphant is an interdisciplinary scholar trained to deconstruct the social, political, cultural, and psychological realities of African descendant people in the United States and across the diaspora. Her research interests center the healing and holistic well-being of Black women and is grounded in cultural relevance and justice. Dr. Oliphant prioritizes culturally informed methods that honor the voices and perspectives of Black women, seeking to reclaim and reimagine accessible healing practices that promote liberation and holistic wellness.
Dr. Oliphant’s research is fundamentally informed by the traditions of African American Studies, Black feminist thought, and African/Black psychology. She has published peer reviewed empirical and theoretical research on topics that explore Black feminist informed healing strategies, Black women's mental health, culturally specific ways of coping, and culturally relevant suicide risk and protective factors. Ultimately, through research and her clinical practice, Dr. Oliphant aims to deliberately center Black women’s healing by using an interdisciplinary approach that honors our culture and holistic well-being.
“When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.” -Audre Lorde
“I write for young girls of color, for girls who don’t even exist yet, so there is something there for them when they arrive.” -Ntozake Shange
Dr. Oliphant does not plan to admit a student this year.
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
B.A. African Studies, University of California-Berkeley (2017)
M.S. Community Psychology, Florida A&M University (2020)