Mercedes Okosi

Dr. Mercedes J. Okosi joined Columbia Health in 2023. She received her Psy.D. (Doctor of Psychology) at The Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology (GSAPP) at Rutgers University. She completed a doctoral internship at Mount Sinai St. Luke’s and West Hospitals. Prior to joining Columbia, she held a position as clinical director of the Safe Mothers, Safe Children Initiative at New York University’s McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research where she led a program for women in the child welfare system experiencing PTSD. Dr. Okosi has experience in a variety of settings including inpatient and outpatient hospital settings, schools, community organizations, and private practice.

Much of Dr. Okosi’s work has been focused on the impact of trauma on marginalized populations including those within the African diaspora, people of color, and LGBTQIA+ individuals. Dr. Okosi also uses an integrative and patient-centered approach to work with patients managing a range of issues including mood disorders, anxiety, difficult relationship patterns, and identity.

Education:

  • Psy.D., Clinical Psychology, Rutgers University
  • B.S., Applied Psychology, Minor: Spanish Language, New York University

Certifications and Licensure:

  • Licensed to practice Psychology in the State of New York

Professional Experience:

  • Clinical Director, New York University McSilver Institute
  • Pre-Doctoral Intern, Mount Sinai St. Luke’s/West
  • Psychology Externships: Harlem Hospital, Youth Development Clinic, Rutgers University Counseling ADAP & Psychiatric Services

Published Articles:

  • Sullivan, K. S., Ancharski, K., Wortham, W., Okosi, M., Kaplan, D., Urquiza, A., Timmer, S., Cloitre, M., Chemtob, C., & Lindsey, M. A. (2023). Feasibility and Preliminary Impact of a Community-Based Intervention for Maternal PTSD and Parenting: Parenting-STAIR Pilot. Journal of child and family studies, 32(2), 481–497. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-023-02534-y
  • Lindsey, M., Sullivan, K., Chemtob, C., Ancharski, K., Jaccard, J., Cloitre, M., Urquiza, A., Timmer, S., Okosi, M., & Kaplan, D. (2022). A randomized controlled trial to assess the efficacy of Parenting-STAIR in treating maternal PTSD to reduce maltreatment recidivism: protocol for the Safe Mothers, Safe Children study. Trials, 23(1), 432. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-022-06354-1
  • Okosi, M. J. (2022). Mental Health Journal for Black Women: Prompts and practices to prioritize yourself and nurture your well-being. Rockridge Press.
  • Okosi, M. J. (2022). The Complex PTSD Journal: A guided journal to help you heal, grow, and thrive. Rockridge Press.
  • Okosi, M. J. (2015). Emotional emancipation circles for mothers of color. Psych Discourse: News Journal of The Association of Black Psychologists, 49(2), 12-13.
  • Okosi, M. J. (2012). Spaces for young women of color’s trauma meaning making and identity development. New York University Applied Psychology Online Publication of Undergraduate Studies, 3, 6-10.

Languages Spoken:

  • English
  • Spanish