Dietra D. Hawkins

Dietra D. Hawkins, PsyD, is a Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Assistant Professor at Yale School of Medicine's Program for Recovery and Community Health (PRCH). Her work focuses on addressing racial and ethnic health disparities through cultural competency frameworks, systems transformation, and recovery-oriented practices. She leads consultative initiatives for state agencies, schools, and healthcare systems while integrating spirituality in psychological frameworks and community engagement models.

• PsyD in Clinical Psychology (2002) from Chicago School of Professional Psychology
• MA in Mental Health Advocacy (2004) from Connecticut’s Department of Mental Health and Addictions Services
• Postdoctoral fellowship (2004) and Predoctoral fellowship (2002) at Yale School of Medicine

As Clinical Director of Dixwell/Newhallville Community Mental Health Services, she pioneered the Beyond the Surface: Making Cultural Competence Real curriculum and co-authored the EMBRACING PEOPLE IN COMMUNITIES (EPIC) program. Her Consultation Center work extends to state systems like Georgia’s Department of Behavioral Health and Texas Department of State Health Services, emphasizing community-based solutions and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Dietra’s research legacy includes the YaleEVAL initiative and the Program for Recovery and Community Health, where she applies qualitative evaluation methods to design training programs. Her Dinner Model initiative builds on her dissertation A Noble Affair (2002) to foster community dialogues about systemic inequities.