Michael Curtis

Dr. Curtis joins the University of Minnesota following the completion of postdoctoral research fellowship appointments at Emory University and Northwestern University. His research focuses on improving the mental health and service utilization of individuals from oppressed, and underserved communities. Specifically, his work seeks to address the syndemic effects of intersectional stigma, traumatic stress, HIV, and mental health issues among Black Americans, particularly those who identify as LGBTQ+. The goal of his research is not only to contribute to the existing scholarship on mental health and service use among Black Americans but to also push the field forward by accounting for the intersectional heterogeneity that exists within the Black American community. By examining the unique needs of subgroups of Black Americans, he hopes to uncover unique insights into the developmental needs of the Black communities as well as inform the design of culturally responsive interventions aimed at the treatment of syndemic issues that plague Black Americans and the improvement of their overall mental health and wellbeing.   

Dr. Curtis’ research also pays particular attention to the role that intersectional stigma plays in the development and progression of psychological, and interpersonal issues among Black Americans. Specifically, he focuses on how racism, heterosexism, and classism interact to influence Black Americans’ development, particularly during emerging adulthood (~18-25). Moving beyond simply noting that disparities exist based on a person’s identity, his work looks closely at how power, privilege, and oppression converge to uniquely subjugate certain subgroups of Black Americans, leaving them at heightened risk for a myriad of mental health-related issues.  

Dr. Curtis is also a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and AAMFT Approved Supervisor. His therapeutic philosophy integrates narrative therapy, strategic family therapy, and trauma-informed approaches to therapy. Often out of necessity, survivors of trauma need to disconnect from themselves (mind & body) to survive the most difficult and horrific experiences of their lives. Using this lens, he hopes to assist clients in healing the fractures of trauma by re-establishing the connection between their minds and bodies. He is trained to facilitate NET (Narrative Exposure Therapy) and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), which are both widely recognized as effective treatments for trauma and traumatic stress. Additionally, as a Black American therapist, Dr. Curtis holds a strong commitment to enhancing the quality of life and empowering people of Black Americans through advocacy, mental services delivery, and research.