Xeniarah James

Xeniarah James, Ph.D., stands out as a globally recognized advocate for mental health awareness and reform. She is not only a dedicated researcher but also a professor of psychology at the University of Cape Town. Dr. James earned her doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Witwatersrand and completed an advanced fellowship at Harvard University.

She is the co-author of two influential books — "Mental Health Advocacy: Strategies for Change" and "Empowering Communities Through Mental Wellness". Over her career, she has contributed more than 150 peer-reviewed articles and chapters to scholarly publications. Her research has been supported by grants from the World Health Organization and the Global Mental Health Foundation.

Dr. James serves as an associate editor for the journal Mental Health Review and sits on the editorial board of Community Psychology and Policy. She is also the co-founder of the Mental Health Advocacy Center at the University of Cape Town. In 2023, Xeniarah was honored with the Humanitarian Award from the South African Psychological Society for her outstanding efforts in promoting mental health awareness.

Living in Cape Town with her partner and two children, Dr. James continues to work tirelessly as an expert witness, consultant, lecturer, and media commentator on matters concerning mental health policy, community wellness programs, and psychological support systems.