Dr. Johnson is a dedicated social justice researcher and public health professional, holding a PhD from Loyola University Chicago School of Social Work and a Master of Public Health from Indiana University School of Public Health. With a strong background in research administration and evaluation, his work addresses critical issues such as mental health disparities, violence, HIV, STI’s, and fatherhood development. As a Sr. Study Director at Westat and an adjunct professor at the University of Chicago teaching policy and research courses, Tony leverages his expertise to empower communities of color through research and education. 

Tony Johnson brings over 15 years of dedicated experience as a social justice leader and mental health advocate to his career path as a clinical therapist, specializing in serving the LGBTQ and Black and Brown communities at the margins. With an educational background that includes a PhD in Social Work and a Master of Public Health specializing in community health interventions, Tony has consistently leveraged his deep knowledge in resilience, psychological self-sufficiency, grief, and art therapy to uplift and empower marginalized groups.

Tony’s journey into mental health was profoundly shaped by personal tragedies that illuminated the acute need for tailored therapeutic interventions. The loss of his mother at the outset of his PhD program in 2018 deeply influenced his focus on family grief, while the early loss of a cousin to complications from HIV reinforced his commitment to addressing complex traumas in underserved populations. These experiences have galvanized his resilience-based approach, focusing on creating spaces for healing and advocacy through therapy.

Previously, Tony made significant contributions as a public health specialist and mental health professional, where his work encompassed both academic research and practical community-based solutions. His focus on clinical therapy is driven by a vision to bridge the gap in mental health services through a combination of psychodynamic and narrative therapy techniques, ensuring that therapy is a unique, transformative experience tailored to the individual needs of his clients.

Dr. Johnson's contributions span multiple projects and publications on HIV, violence, fatherhood, COVID-19, and youth, showcasing his commitment to public health and social justice across various research initiatives.