Michael Curtis

Michael Curtis is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Family Social Science at the University of Minnesota. His research focuses on improving mental health service accessibility for marginalized communities, particularly Black Americans, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those experiencing intersectional stigma. He holds a PhD from the University of Georgia and has completed postdoctoral fellowships at Emory University and Northwestern University. Dr. Curtis integrates narrative, strategic family, and trauma-informed therapies in clinical practice, emphasizing culturally responsive interventions.

• Education: PhD in Human Development and Family Studies (University of Georgia), MS in Marriage and Family Therapy (UNLV), BA in Psychology (UNLV)

His research explores syndemic effects of stigma, trauma, and HIV among Black Americans, emphasizing intersectional heterogeneity. Key areas include: 1) Trauma-informed interventions for marginalized groups, 2) Mental health disparities in LGBTQ+ communities, and 3) Developmental impacts of racial discrimination during emerging adulthood. He has published extensively in journals like Journal of Marriage and Family and Family Process.

Recent work analyzes pandemic effects on rural Black men's relationships, MPX behavioral changes among sexual minorities, and HIV stigma among young adults. His therapeutic expertise includes NET and EMDR for trauma survivors. Dr. Curtis is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and AAMFT Approved Supervisor, committed to advocacy for Black communities.

He currently supervises graduate students in PhD and MA/PhD programs and accepts undergraduate research advisees. Active in community-based participatory research, he collaborates with organizations to design equitable mental health solutions.