David Graham PhD

Dr. D. Jermaine Graham is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology, Counseling, and Behavioral Health at Coppin State University and serves as Program Coordinator for the Master’s Program in Addiction Counseling. With more than 20 years of clinical experience as a School Psychologist, Dr. Graham brings a distinctive integration of clinical expertise, research scholarship, and systems level leadership to the preparation of future behavioral health professionals.

Dr. Graham teaches graduate-level courses in Co-Occurring Disorders, Abnormal Psychology, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused Interventions, Research Methods, and Advanced Statistics, preparing students with the theoretical foundation and clinical competencies required for evidence-based behavioral health practice. Throughout his academic career, he has taught and mentored graduate students across several institutions, serving as a dissertation advisor for doctoral candidates and supervising numerous master’s thesis projects, while guiding emerging scholars and clinicians in both research and applied practice.

Dr. Graham’s scholarship focuses on trauma-informed treatment, co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, and the development of culturally responsive behavioral health service systems for individuals exposed to chronic stress and trauma. His research also examines family engagement and ecological influences on educational and behavioral health outcomes, reflecting a broader commitment to bridging research, policy, and practice. His work emphasizes translating scientific evidence into community-centered interventions that improve outcomes for individuals, families, and schools.

Dr. Graham earned Bachelor of Science degrees in Psychology and Human Development from the University of the West Indies and Howard University, respectively. He later obtained both his Master’s degree in Educational Psychology and his Doctorate in  Educational School Psychology from Howard University. An active scholar, he has published in peer-reviewed journals and presented his research at national and international conferences. In addition to his academic scholarship, Dr. Graham has extensive experience in program evaluation and applied research, including the evaluation of federally funded initiatives supported by the U.S. Department of Education and the National Science Foundation.

Through his leadership of the Addiction Counseling Program, Dr. Graham is committed to advancing a cutting-edge training model grounded in evidence-based practice, cultural responsiveness, and integrated behavioral health care. His work prepares counselors to address the complex realities of substance use, trauma exposure, and co-occurring mental health conditions, equipping graduates to serve diverse communities with competence, integrity, and compassion.