Dr. Ikeshia Smith, Clinical Psychologist Featured in Canton Repository
EHHS graduate Ikeshia Smith recently appeared in the Canton Repository. She serves as chief strategist for Mind Your Business, a the nonprofit that addresses mental health in the African American community. Additionally, she runs a private telehealth practice in Mentor, and is a psychological resident with Ohio GuideStone, a behavioral health service.
Smith recently hosted the first Stark County Minority Mental Health Gala at First Christian Church's Heritage Hall. Bridging the Gap Between Mental Health Agencies and Minority Churches addressed mental health for African Americans.
While compiling research for her doctorate, Smith found research on minorities' reluctance to seek mental health care. The data also revealed that more than 90 percent of African Americans cope with mental health and stress through church and spirituality. Moreover, Smith learned that, contrary to popular belief, Blacks do commit suicide. In fact, suicide rates within the Black community are on the rise, due to the pandemic, social media, bullying and family concerns.