Desirée L. Israel, Lcsw C, Licsw, Lcsw, Cbs
About Desirée L. Israel, Lcsw C, Licsw, Lcsw, Cbs
Desirée L. Israel is a licensed social worker and co-founder of the Perinatal Mental Health Alliance for People of Color, focusing on mental health support for birthing individuals and communities of color. She has extensive experience in social work and has held various leadership roles in organizations dedicated to social services and mental health.
Work at Perinatal Mental Health Alliance for People of Color
Desirée L. Israel serves as the Co-Founder of the Perinatal Mental Health Alliance for People of Color, a position she has held since February 2017. The organization focuses on providing perinatal mental health support services specifically tailored for birthing persons, providers, and communities of color. Under her leadership, the Alliance has successfully generated over $50,000 to train clinicians of color in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Additionally, the Alliance has provided scholarships for over 400 mental health professionals to attend a two-day training offered by Postpartum Support International, either in-person or virtually.
Education and Expertise
Desirée L. Israel has an extensive educational background in social work. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Social Work at Widener University, expected to complete in 2025. She earned her Master of Social Work (MSW) from Morgan State University, where she specialized in School Social Work from 2009 to 2011. Additionally, she holds a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Social Work from Morgan State University, completed in 2008. Israel is also a trained Birth Doula and holds multiple licenses and credentials, including LCSW-C, LICSW, LCSW, and CBS.
Professional Background
Desirée L. Israel has held various positions in the field of social work and mental health. She worked as a Clinical Supervisor at Pressley Ridge from 2020 to 2021 and as a Transition Team Coordinator from 2019 to 2020. Prior to that, she served as a Therapist at BTST Services and received the Elevation Award from Baltimore Corps during her tenure there. Her experience also includes roles as a Family Life Educator at The Children's Guild and a Social Work Medical Case Manager at HealthCare Access Maryland. Israel's early career involved positions at Seraaj Family Homes, The Family Tree, and the Baltimore City Department of Social Services.
Achievements in Mental Health Advocacy
Desirée L. Israel has made significant contributions to mental health advocacy, particularly in the realm of perinatal mental health. She co-founded the Perinatal Mental Health Alliance for People of Color, which has focused on training and supporting clinicians of color. Israel has also founded MotherlandCo., a consultancy that operates on anti-oppressive and anti-racist principles. Her involvement in various boards and committees, including Postpartum Progress and 2020 Mom, further highlights her commitment to improving mental health services for marginalized communities.