Behind the
Deaf Mental Health Hub
Naima M. Johnson (she/her/hers)
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Founder | Therapist | Healing Advocate | Advocate for Access | CEO of Deaf Mental Health Hub
Naima M. Johnson is a unique hidden gem and passionate trailblazer—a Black/Multiracial Deaf therapist, activist, and the first-ever to establish a groundbreaking platform that centralizes mental health services for the Deaf community.
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She works as a pre-licensed mental health therapist under National Deaf Therapy with degrees of bachelor's in Psychology along with a minor in studio art from Gallaudet University and a master's in Mental Health Counseling with a concretion from Arcadia University,
Naima brings a powerful blend of expertise and lived experience to her work. Known as a hidden gem in the mental health field,
Naima is relentlessly driven to break down systemic barriers and ensure that Deaf individuals receive care that is not only accessible but also culturally and linguistically relevant.
Her life’s mission is rooted in creating spaces where every Deaf person can thrive mentally, free from stigma and obstacles.
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Why Deaf Mental Health Hub?
The Deaf Mental Health Hub is more than a platform—it’s a revolution born of necessity and love. Naima’s passion for this initiative stems from witnessing the struggles of Deaf individuals navigating an often inaccessible mental health system. The hub is her answer to these challenges, offering a centralized space where care in ASL meets cultural understanding. It’s a beacon of hope, empowering Deaf individuals to connect with the support they deserve and igniting systemic change in the process.
Her Journey Behind Establishing Deaf Mental Health Hub
1994-2013
She attended the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf (PSD) in Philadelphia, where her passion for community, education, and empowerment first took root.
​Her academic journey began at Gallaudet University, but due to personal challenges, she returned to Philadelphia to focus on her well-being and reconnect with her family. During this time, she enrolled at the Community College of Philadelphia, where she discovered her passion for psychology. While working at PSD as a teacher's assistant, she realized her drive to help others, particularly within the Deaf community.
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Determined to deepen her knowledge, she returned to Gallaudet University, this time with a focus on psychology. She completed her Bachelor's degree in Psychology, with a minor in Studio Art, inspired by her vision of combining art and mental health to create transformative healing experiences. Her leadership roles as Director of Diversity for the Student Body Government and a presidential candidate for the Black Student Union strengthened her commitment to creating systemic change.
2013-2016
2018-2020
After graduation, she returned to Philadelphia and worked at PSD again, taking on various roles, including substitute teacher, teacher aide, and behavior specialist. These roles gave her hands-on experience working with diverse age groups and needs but also exposed her to systemic gaps in mental health resources for the Deaf community.
2016-2018
2020-2023
Feeling the weight of these gaps and driven by her desire to break cycles of inaccessibility and inequity, she decided to pursue graduate school. She enrolled and graduated with a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling, equipping herself with the tools to address these challenges head-on.
2023-Present
She officially became a pre-licensed therapist at National Deaf Therapy, where she gained experience in various roles such as practicum student, marketing specialist, intern and front desk support before becoming a therapist. Each role allowed her to deepen her understanding of the unique mental health needs within the Deaf community.
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In addition to her work as a therapist, she began working as a mental health researcher at Deaf Y.E.S.! Empowerment and Recovery Center. These experiences further highlighted the urgent need for a centralized resource to bridge the mental health gaps for Deaf individuals.
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By October 2024, she founded the Deaf Mental Health Hub—a groundbreaking platform designed to empower Deaf individuals through accessible, culturally competent mental health resources and services. Her mission was clear: to break the cycles of inequity and ensure that the Deaf community has a safe, inclusive, and empowering space to heal and thrive.
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Her journey to establish the Deaf Mental Health Hub is deeply rooted in her personal and professional experiences. Witnessing the systemic barriers faced by Deaf individuals—particularly in accessing equitable mental health care—fueled her drive to create lasting change. The Hub represents not just a service but a movement toward breaking cycles of exclusion and fostering a culture of healing within the Deaf community.
