Sterling P. Watson, PsyD
Sterling P. Watson, PsyD, is a licensed psychologist and educator committed to nurturing the next generation of mental health professionals. He earned his PsyD in Clinical Psychology from Wright State University, School of Professional Psychology (SOPP), following his undergraduate studies at Central State University, an HBCU where he was a scholar-athlete and member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.
Currently, Watson serves as the Director of Training and Associate Director of Clinical Services at the University of South Carolina, where he leads an APA-accredited doctoral internship program in health service psychology, other training programs and co-directs clinical support services for a diverse student body. Watson also serves as an adjunct professor for the psychology department when needed. Watson's leadership extends to his past roles as President of the South Carolina Chapter of the Association of Black Psychologists (ABPSI), as a Board member of the Association of Counseling Center Training Agencies (ACCTA) and as a former Co-Chair of ACCTA's Steering Committee for Diversity.
He is also a dedicated mentor, cultivating cultural competence and advocacy in emerging psychologists. His initiatives, like BlackSpace, a support network for students of African descent, cofacilitating a program designed to foster resilience and retention among young men of color through the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs he branded as EmpowerMent are just two of many programs that Watson is involved. He is committed to mentorship, training and support of diverse students. Watson emphasizes holistic, culturally attuned care in his clinical practice and supervision. His professional development initiatives include implementing strategies to elevate training quality for supervising psychologists and other mental health professionals. Watson is an ordained Elder of the Church of God in Christ whose interest include integrating faith and spirituality with mental health practices and all things diversity related. He is an aspiring author, with projects underway to inspire faith, resilience, and the journey of the healing work.
