Dr. LaTanya N. Townsend, LCSW-C, is a licensed clinical social worker, psychotherapist, graduate-level social work educator, organizational leader and community advocate committed to advancing the health and well-being of Black individuals, families and communities.  Her interdisciplinary work integrates behavioral health, clinical practice, education, nonprofit leadership, program development, organizational accountability and culturally responsive community engagement.

Dr. Townsend serves as President of the Baltimore Legacy Chapter of the National Association of Black Social Workers and as a Member-at-Large on NABSW’s National Executive Committee.  She is also the former chair NABSW’s Comprehensive Health and Wellness Committee, where she continues to lead national initiatives addressing Black health equity, HIV prevention, mental wellness, chronic illness, recovery and other health disparities affecting communities of African ancestry.

As the national project lead for Setting the P.A.C.E.: Boots on the Ground, Dr. Townsend directs culturally grounded HIV prevention, education, advocacy, stigma-reduction and community-engagement efforts in cities throughout the United States.  Her leadership brings together social workers, students, historically Black colleges and universities, faith communities, healthcare partners, community-based organizations and people with lived experience to strengthen access to trustworthy health information and supportive services.

Dr. Townsend earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Coppin State University, a Master of Social Work degree from Howard University and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Morgan State University.  Her doctoral studies focused on the intersection of trauma, substance use and mental health, strengthening her commitment to culturally responsive, trauma-informed approaches that address the complex behavioral health needs of individuals, families and communities.  

Dr. Townsend is the owner of Embracive Wellness, LLC, where she provides psychotherapy and behavioral health services while also offering consultation to mental health organizations seeking to strengthen their programs, practices and quality of care.  She is also the owner of Radical Restorations, LLC, a Maryland psychiatric rehabilitation program serving adults, children and adolescents.  Through her clinical practice, teaching, training and organizational leadership, she promotes healing-centered, ethical, culturally responsive and person-centered approaches to care.

A skilled presenter, trainer, facilitator and curriculum developer, Dr. Townsend is known for creating engaging learning experiences that connect professional knowledge with culture, history, accountability, advocacy and community responsibility.  Her work encourages social workers and other helping professionals to move beyond traditional service delivery toward practices that affirm Black identity, strengthen families, challenge inequitable systems and support lasting community transformation.

Guided by the Nguzo Saba principle of Ujima, Collective Work and Responsibility, Dr. Townsend approaches her work with discipline, integrity and a deep sense of accountability to the community.  She believes meaningful progress is achieved when people work collaboratively to identify shared challenges, honor their collective strengths and develop sustainable solutions that promote healing, empowerment, self-determination and the well-being of Black communities.