Tiffany Williams, PhD
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry
- Address
-
GH 4800
PSYC
IN
Indianapolis, IN
Bio
Dr. Williams is an assistant professor and a licensed psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry in the IU School of Medicine. She specializes in mood, anxiety, trauma and other psychiatric disorders. Dr. Williams is the director of the Perinatal-Postpartum Mental Health Clinic (P2MHC), where she provides therapy to women and birthing persons experiencing perinatal and postpartum mental health conditions. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Williams oversees a training clinic, offering clinical supervision to psychology interns and practicum students. Her research focuses on (1) adapting, evaluating and implementing evidence-based treatments for high-risk perinatal and postpartum populations, and (2) investigating social determinants of health and effects on Black women’s health and other marginalized groups.
| Year | Degree | Institution |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Residency | Ohio State University Hospital |
| 2017 | PhD | Cleveland State University |
| 2011 | MED | Cleveland State University |
| 2007 | BA | Cleveland State University |
Past Projects
Addressing Disparities and Improving Black Women’s Mental Health
Several factors contribute to the health and well-being of people from underrepresented backgrounds, such as social determinants of health, systemic oppression, and stigma to name a few. Our research examined how these factors lead to poor physical and mental health outcomes. We conducted two studies examining the mental and physical health effects of gendered racism on women from underrepresented backgrounds. The first was a pilot study with 202 college-aged women; the second, a national study with 430 women, confirmed the harmful impact of gendered racism. We identified resilience and social support as protective factors that improved well-being. This research will guide clinical practice by emphasizing strengths-based approaches to healing and recovery for Black women.
Funding: American Association of University Women; Thurgood Marshall College Fund/Novartis US Foundation
Publication: Williams, T. R., Erving, C. L., Martin, R.*, Moses, M. (In press). Black women’s experiences of anticipatory race-related stress and general worry: The mediating effects of internal psychological resources. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy.
Social Determinants of Health and Black People’s Mental Health
The impact of social determinants of mental and physical health on Black Americans’ well-being is a historical and elusive problem. Research demonstrates how social determinants of health contribute to perpetual health inequity and disparities in the US. This study explored how social determinants of health affect mental well-being among Black Americans. A total of 400 participants who identified as Black or African American were surveyed. Race-related stress was significantly associated with poorer mental health outcomes, including depression, anxiety, stress, and substance use. In contrast, positive coping strategies—such as mindfulness and adaptive behavioral techniques—were linked to improved mental health. These findings emphasize the ongoing impact of systemic factors like socioeconomic status, access to care, and racism, while highlighting the protective role of culturally relevant coping mechanisms.
Funding: Tennessee State University Seed Grant
Award: APA Division 56 Outstanding Poster Award: Leveraging Research Practices to Advance Trauma-Focused Care in Marginalized Populations
Publication: Williams, T. R., Sanders, S. M., Hooper, V., Popplewell, R., Tookes-Williams, K., & Peters, K. (under review). Legitimizing Racism as a Criterion A Threat for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A justification for inclusion in the DSM. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, & Policy.
Challenging Workforce Inequity and Promoting Minority Access
People from disenfranchised backgrounds experience inequity in the workforce that impedes access to decent and meaningful work. We investigated systemic barriers to work access, focusing on marginalized populations through the Psychology of Working Theory (PWT). PWT is a social justice-based framework that examines how contextual factors shape labor market experiences. I conducted two studies—one with 476 racial or ethnic minority workers and another with 241 Black workers in the U.S.—to validate the model. Findings showed that economic hardship and marginalization influence career choices, adaptability, and access to meaningful work. A sense of purpose and belonging predicted better mental health, while feeling like a burden was linked to poorer mental and physical health. This research highlights strong connections between work and health among underrepresented groups.
People from disenfranchised backgrounds experience inequity in the workforce that impedes access to decent and meaningful work. We investigated systemic barriers to work access, focusing on marginalized populations through the Psychology of Working Theory (PWT). PWT is a social justice-based framework that examines how contextual factors shape labor market experiences. I conducted two studies—one with 476 racial or ethnic minority workers and another with 241 Black workers in the U.S.—to validate the model. Findings showed that economic hardship and marginalization influence career choices, adaptability, and access to meaningful work. A sense of purpose and belonging predicted better mental health, while feeling like a burden was linked to poorer mental and physical health. This research highlights strong connections between work and health among underrepresented groups.