About the lab
About us
Founded in 2024 by Dr. Ed-Dee Williams, the Black Mental Wellness Research Lab is a community of scholars, practitioners, and students committed to advancing the mental health and well-being of Black individuals and families across the lifespan.
Our mission
The Black Mental Wellness Research Lab is dedicated to advancing the mental health and well-being of Black individuals and their families across the lifespan. We focus on the psychological, social, and cultural experiences that shape mental health in Black communities, with particular attention to developmental disorders (including autism spectrum disorder) and mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.
We bring together students, social work practitioners, and faculty collaborators from multiple universities to conduct community-engaged, culturally grounded research. We move beyond documenting disparities to deeply understand the strengths, needs, and lived experiences of Black communities, while promoting resilience, healing, and empowerment.
What guides our work
Beyond Disparities
We go beyond documenting mental health disparities to deeply understand the strengths, needs, and lived experiences of Black communities.
Resilience & Healing
Our research centers resilience, healing, and empowerment as core pathways to mental wellness.
Evidence-Informed Translation
We translate findings into interventions, policies, and resources that make a tangible difference in real people’s lives.
Collaborative Inquiry
We bring together students, practitioners, and faculty across institutions to conduct rigorous, community-engaged research.
Founder & Director
Dr. Ed-Dee Williams
Dr. Ed-Dee Williams is an Assistant Professor at the Boston College School of Social Work. His scholarship and practice are rooted in a deep commitment to understanding and improving the mental health of Black children, adolescents, and adults.
Under his leadership, the lab examines how systemic inequities, family dynamics, identity development, and help-seeking behaviors intersect to influence mental health outcomes. Dr. Williams is committed to translating research into evidence-informed interventions and accessible resources for Black communities.
“Through partnerships with families, clinicians, educators, and community organizations, we aim to create supportive environments where Black children, adolescents, and adults can thrive.”
— Dr. Ed-Dee Williams
Join our community of collaborators
Whether you are a researcher, student, clinician, or community member, we invite you to connect with us.