Brian L. Turner

Dr. Brian L. Turner is a tenured clinical psychologist, professor, and mental health advocate with a focus on expanding access to psychological care in underserved communities. Turner completed his doctoral studies in clinical psychology at Jackson State University and serves as a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice through Moments of Truth, LLC. He is a tenured associate professor and department head in the Department of Psychology at Xavier University of Louisiana. Turner previously directed the African American Diaspora Studies Program at Xavier University of Louisiana.

Turner's work as a professor and clinician is grounded in multicultural training, examining the impact of culture on mental health. His research at Xavier University of Louisiana has addressed Black male experiences in higher education, Black women and risky behaviors, and mental health at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). His clinical and research interests include the intersection of culture and psychology, social justice and equality, coping styles and mental health outcomes, diversity and multicultural competency, mental health advocacy, legislative issues, psychodiagnostic assessment, and clinical training and supervision. Turner’s areas of competency include clinical psychology, cultural competency, African-American psychology, urban psychology, humanistic, interpersonal, and cognitive behavioral therapy.

Before joining Xavier University, Turner served as a senior staff psychologist at University of West Florida in Pensacola, where he was also the outreach and diversity coordinator. He oversaw the annual University of West Florida Men of Color Retreat and Conference, focusing on issues Black men encounter in higher education and beyond. Turner has received recognition for teaching and leadership in diversity, including honors from Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society at Xavier University of Louisiana, the University of West Florida President's Award for Leadership in Diversity, the Division of Student Affairs Award of Excellence, and the University of Akron Division of Student Affairs Celebration of Diversity Award.

Turner has served as clinical executive director of The Color Gallery, an art therapy studio aimed at reducing community violence and school-age crime through creative expression. Through Moments of Truth, LLC, he provides workplace trainings, psychoeducation, consultation, evaluations, and structures employee assistance programs for mental health services. Turner has served on the boards of the National Alliance for Mental Illness Louisiana, Encore Academy Charter School, Metropolitan Human Services District, and The Arts Council New Orleans.

Turner is an alumnus of the Urban League Equity and Diversity fellowship, the Justice Revius O. Ortique Jr. Leadership Institute, and the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute. He is a lead mentor with the SilverBack Society, coordinating annual program evaluation. As a keynote speaker, Turner addresses topics such as Black heritage, diversity and inclusion, empowerment, men's health, mental health, personal growth, and the social sciences, drawing on his clinical expertise and community-based perspective.