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Biography

Dr. Melody Benedict is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Work and Senior Fellow for Fostering Unity for the College of Community Health. She holds a PhD in Social Work, an MSW, and a BA in Psychology from the University at Albany (SUNY). Dr. Benedict brings over a decade of direct practice experience in healthcare, with a particular focus on mental health and behavioral health systems, including both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric settings. Her extensive clinical background informs her research, teaching, and service, providing a strong foundation for her work as both a scholar and practitioner. 

As a critical scholar-activist, Dr. Benedict’s research centers on advancing mental health equity for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. Her scholarship is dedicated to developing innovative strategies to promote equity within the United States healthcare system. Dr. Benedict seeks to advance knowledge on racial trauma and mental health, promote culturally responsive approaches that foster racial healing, and explore mental health disparities among people of color. 

Dr. Benedict’s multifaceted approach strives to create a more equitable healthcare landscape. Her work has contributed to the development of restorative practices for racial healing and organizational reforms within social work and healthcare settings. She is committed to mentoring students and practitioners, fostering inclusive learning environments, and advancing social justice through research, teaching, and community engagement. 

Research

Melody's expertise lies in advocating for a mental health landscape that ensures equitable care for Black, Indigenous, and people of color. Her work focuses on addressing mental health disparities and promoting accessible mental health services within underserved communities.

Qualitative Research: Exploring Depression Among Black Young Adults and Their Experiences with Mental Health Agencies

This project is a qualitative research study focused on exploring depression and racial trauma among Black young adults, with a particular emphasis on their experiences interacting with mental health agencies. It investigates how historical factors such as the legacy of slavery, segregation, and ongoing racial discrimination, alongside systemic issues like institutional racism and socio-economic inequalities, contribute to significant mental health disparities. The study aims to understand the unique challenges faced by Black individuals, including higher rates of psychological distress and barriers to accessing culturally responsive care. By examining both positive and negative experiences with mental health services, the project seeks to inform the development of more effective, inclusive, and equitable mental health interventions and policies tailored to the needs of Black communities.

Publications

Benedict, M., Sapiro, B., Brown, M., & Fuentes, E. (2026). Restoring What Racism Steals: The Impact and Healing of Racial Trauma in Clinical Social Work. Studies in Clinical Social Work: Transforming Practice, Education and Research, 1–22.  

Benedict, M. (2026). Reimagining Clinical Social Work: Therapeutic Approaches that Foster 
Racial Healing and Psychological Liberation. Studies in Clinical Social Work: Transforming Practice, Education and Research, 1–25. .  

Benedict, M., Quezada-Horne, N., Lowery, C., Bender, D. A., Larkin, H., & Mountz, S. (2026). Revealing counter-stories: racist encounters of Black social workers in the profession. Journal of Ethnic & Cultural Diversity in Social Work, 1–14. 
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Benedict, M., Quezada-Horne, N., & Asher BlackDeer, A. (2026). The Institutional Trust Restoration Model: Restorative Repair to Institutional Betrayal in Social Work. Journal of Progressive Human Services, 1–15 .  
 
BlackDeer, A., Benedict, M. (2026). Decolonizing Trauma-Responsive Care: Centering Healing for Racial Trauma. Families in Society: The Journal of Contemporary Social Services. . 

Quezada-Horne, N., Benedict, M., Gross, K. J., Trach, C., & Diallo, F. (2025). Community is Key! Sense of Belonging among Black Women Undergraduate and Graduate Students and How They Cope. Affilia: Feminist Inquiry in Social Work, 0(0). . 

Benedict, M., Quezada, N.M., Bender, D., Campbell, T., Larkin, H. (2024). Breaking the Chains: Understanding the Damaging Effects of Institutional Betrayal in Social Work. Families in Society: The Journal of Contemporary Social Services. Published online first. . 

Quezada, N.M., Jones, L.V., Benedict, M., Lee, E. (2024) "Social and Emotional Well-being Influences in The Health Behaviors of Urban Youth." Families in Society: The Journal of Contemporary Social Services. Published online first. . 

Benedict, M., Quezada, N.M., Bender, D., Campbell, T. (2024). Untangling the Web: A Phenomenological Analysis of Social Workers' Critical Reflections on Racism in Social Work and Antiracism Efforts in Contemporary Practice. Families in Society, 0(0). Published online first. .