Angela Neal-Barnett

Angela Neal-Barnett is Professor of Psychological Sciences at Kent State University and Director of the Program for Research on Anxiety Disorders among African Americans (PRADAA). Her work bridges clinical research and community engagement, focusing on anxiety disorders within Black communities through culturally responsive frameworks. She leads high-impact studies on perinatal mental health, trichotillomania, and racial stressors while directing the PRADAA Lab.

Her educational background includes a Ph.D. from DePaul University and postdoctoral training at University of Pittsburgh Western Psychiatric Hospital. This foundation supports her innovative approaches to mental health disparities.

Research centers on anxiety disorders in African Americans, maternal mental health, and culturally adapted interventions. Key contributions include developing "sister circles" for pregnant Black women, creating culturally informed hair cortisol protocols, and authoring Soothe Your Nerves: The Black Woman's Guide to Understanding and Overcoming Anxiety. Her work examines how racial discrimination, the "acting White" accusation, and unique sociocultural stressors impact mental health across developmental stages.

Recent publications (2019-2025) reveal three critical trends: 1) Virtual and mobile interventions for underserved perinatal populations, 2) Long-term efficacy of acceptance-enhanced therapies for trichotillomania, and 3) Intersectional analyses of racism's physiological and psychological impacts. These studies consistently prioritize community relevance and methodological innovation.

Major recognitions include:

• APA Division 35 Best First-Authored Paper by Graduate Student (2020)
• Webby Award for Podcasts
• Regional Edward R. Murrow Award for Podcasts

As PRADAA Director, she secures research funding for community-engaged projects while mentoring students through courses like Psychology of Black Women and Developmental Psychopathology. Current initiatives include virtual written exposure therapy trials and longitudinal trichotillomania studies, emphasizing real-world implementation.

The PRADAA Lab functions as an interdisciplinary hub connecting academic research with community needs, featuring partnerships with local organizations to disseminate findings through accessible channels including podcasts and community workshops.