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Melody Benedict

Assistant Professor, Social Work and Child Advocacy, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Office:: Dickson Hall 305
Email:: benedictm@montclair.edu
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Profile

Dr. Melody Benedict is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Work and Child Advocacy at Montclair State University. 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 (BIPOC) communities. 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.

Specialization

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.

Office Hours

Fall

Monday: 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm; (In-person or zoom)
Thursday: 9:30 am - 11:00 am; (Via zoom)

Links

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