Darriel Wright is a master’s-level fellow with the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and a recent graduate of the Master of Social Work Program at Virginia Commonwealth University. Currently, Darriel works as a crisis intervention specialist for the state of Virginia.
When reflecting on how the MFP has enriched his academic and professional career, Darriel shared that he has been provided with opportunities for professional growth and development. He stated, “The MFP has given me the opportunity to learn more about serious mental illness (SMI) and substance abuse, which is a historically underserved population. SMI and substance abuse in Black communities often receive even less support in addition to experiencing the impacts of systemic medical racism. Being an MFP fellow will allow me to provide culturally competent support to individuals affected by mental illness in my community.”
Darriel was drawn to the MFP because he was seeking opportunities to assist him in filling a need in his community and the mental health field. He shared, “I noticed a lack of empathy, support, and resources in the SMI space in addition to the significant racial and cultural disparities as it relates to mental health treatment. I also noticed a need for culturally competent and culturally diverse social workers in my community, and I knew that the MFP would expose me to like-minded individuals who were looking to fill the gaps in these spaces.”
Darriel has plans to apply the knowledge and skills acquired through the MFP to his current and future clinical practice. He shared, “At my current job as a crisis intervention specialist with the Fairfax County Government in Virginia, I work in the emergency services department for the mobile crisis unit, co-responder unit, and emergency services walk-in clinic. The knowledge and skills that I gain through MFP will help me become a better clinician and provide quality care for patients.”
After completing his master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling, Darriel plans to continue his work at Fairfax County Emergency Services. He explained, “I would like to continue working in the emergency and crisis stabilization space supporting individuals with serious mental illness and substance use disorders.”
When asked his advice for anyone thinking about applying to the MFP, Darriel shared these thoughts, “As someone currently working in the clinical space, I see firsthand the critical need for culturally competent and racially diverse skilled mental health clinicians. The MFP provides support to students and professionals who will take on this challenge.” He went on to share, “I am happy to be a fellow. There is a great need for Black male therapists in my community. I recently worked with an 11-year-old Black boy experiencing serious emotional disturbances. His mother told me that she has been trying to connect her son to a Black male therapist for over a year. MFP is bridging the gap and creating opportunities for representation in clinical spaces.”
Darriel closed by sharing that the CSWE MFP program provided a very supportive and welcoming experience.