Sonyia Richardson, Ph.D., MSW, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker, entrepreneur, trainer, researcher, author, and educator. Dr. Richardson is an Assistant Professor at UNC Charlotte, Director of the Race and Social Equity Academy, and Director of the Mental Health Research and Practice Lab. In addition to teaching, Dr. Richardson is the Owner of Another Level Counseling and Consultation, located in Charlotte, North Carolina. Another Level Counseling and Consultation has provided a continuum of behavioral healthcare services in Mecklenburg County for over 16 years.

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Dr. Richardson received a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction, Urban Education from the University of North Carolina Charlotte.  She received a Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from the University of North Carolina Charlotte.  

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As a consultant, Dr. Richardson has worked with fortune 500 companies and small businesses internationally, including Amazon, CVS/Aetna, Veterans Affairs, and the National Association of Social Workers. Consulting projects have focused on behavioral healthcare business development, JEDI Training (Justice Equity Diversity and Inclusion), mental wellness in the workplace, and culturally tailored mental health services. She partners with a diverse team of trainers to meet the needs of businesses.

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Dr. Richardson was successfully awarded an NIMH R34 grant for her first submission. The CA-LINC: A Culturally Adapted Care Coordination Suicide Detection and Intervention Model for Black Youth (1R34MH129782-01) is led by researchers at UNC Charlotte (Dr. Richardson and Dr. Laura Gunn), North Carolina A&T State University (Dr. Michelle Vance), University of Central Florida (Dr. Kimberly Gryglewicz), and University of South Florida (Dr. Marc Karver). This mixed-methods study pilot tests a novel care coordination intervention aimed at improving risk detection, service referrals, treatment, continuity of care, and service engagement among Black youth and Black LGBTQ+SGL youth ages 14-17. 

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Most importantly, she has been married to her spouse Rondell Richardson for over 22 years, and they have two sons, Micah and Jayson, enrolled in college. Her hobbies include traveling, Zumba, writing, and reading.