Dr. April D. Duncan
DSW LCSW RPT-S
Dr. April is dedicated to the betterment of mental health services provided to Black Youth and their families. With a proven track record, Dr. April continues to research and deliver educational and professional development opportunities through national conferences, major universities, national professional organizations, and her own BMH Connect programs.
"Masterful. Powerful. Compassionate. Engaging."
Licensure & Certifications
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Licensed Clinical Social Worker
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Missouri, September 2015 - Present
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Illinois, December 2017 - December 2019
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North Carolina, April 2022 - Present
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Registered Play Therapist, 2016 - Present
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Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, 2020 - Present
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Missouri Clinical Supervisor, 2020 - Present
April Duncan (DSW, LCSW, RPT-S) is a racial trauma expert with over 10 years of clinical experience and collaborative work with various stakeholders in schools, the juvenile justice system, and the child welfare system. Dr. April obtained her Bachelor’s in Arts & Science from the University of Missouri-Columbia (2006), Masters of Social Work from Saint Louis University (2012), and Doctorate of Social Work from the University of Southern California (2021). She is a leader in her field in advocating for the mental health needs of Black children and is the founder of BMH Connect, an organization focused on Black youth empowerment through the use of play therapy. She also is an adjunct instructor in the online MSW program at Tulane University.
Dr. April serves as an
Advisory Board Member
for the
World Association of Sand Therapy Professionals
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Founded by Dr. April in 2020, BMH Connect's mission is to address racial trauma in Black youth by using play therapy to help them learn healthy coping skills. BMH Connect offers play therapy workshops, webinars, and certificate programs to schools, non-profit organizations, and mental health professionals.