Nicholas Grant, Ph.D.
2008, Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology
American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University | Southern California
Research Behavioral Health Assessor for the Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine
“The American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University provided me with the opportunity to continue working while studying the foundations of clinical psychology that offered flexible scheduling and a convenient location.”
Nationally Recognized Expert and Policy Consultant on LGBTQ Issues
Nicholas Grant is a first-generation college graduate who knew he’d never be labeled as a traditional student. He explored every option for his future and found that each path led him to psychology. He is a research behavioral health assessor for the Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, where works with the Suicide Care, Prevention & Research (CPR) Initiative, a psychological research lab of the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences. The Initiative focuses on research in military suicide prevention and emphasizes the development and evaluation of psychosocial interventions and programs for service members and dependents.
He chose to attend Argosy University, Orange County because of its convenient location and flexible scheduling. “The American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University provided me with the opportunity to continue working while studying the foundations of clinical psychology,” he said. Nicholas earned a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology in 2008, gaining a foundation of knowledge in clinical practice and research methods.
During his studies, he was motivated to pursue specialized training in research and LGBTQ psychology. “I don’t think I would have been able to go on to enter a Ph.D. program in clinical psychology, had I not had these early experiences,” he added. “The combined benefits of my education have allowed me to pursue both professional work and service in fields that matter the most to me, including working to benefit LGBTQ communities and working with the veteran and military populations.”
Now known as an expert on these topics, Nicholas was awarded a Presidential citation as a Citizen Psychologist from the current President of the American Psychological Association (APA).
His graduate training included a two-year term with the APA Graduate Student’s Committee on Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity (APAGS-CSOGD)—an organization with which he now serves as a mentor. He went on to become a member of the APA Health Equity Ambassador Program and now serves as the co-chair for the Public Policy Committee for APA’s Division 44, The Society for the Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity.
Nicholas completed his clinical/research fellowship in the Veterans’ Affairs San Diego Healthcare System (SDVA)/University of California San Diego Clinical Psychology Postdoctoral Residency Program focused on LGBTQ mental health. There, he served as the program manager for the nation’s only VA LGBT mental health program and helped to facilitate an “LGBT Expert” evidence-based certification for healthcare providers. Through his fellowship, Nicholas’ work became known to a broader audience and he was invited to take the lead on a textbook chapter on sexual and gender minority military personnel and veterans.
Additionally, he completed an APA William A. Bailey Health and Behavior Congressional Fellow, serving in the Office of U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), where he assisted with the Senator’s military/veterans, healthcare, and LGBTQ legislative portfolios. Nicholas’ extensive background in LGBTQ psychology led him to become a subject matter expert for Senator Gillibrand’s office as they worked to protect the rights of transgender Americans to serve in the military.
Nicholas says that his studies at Argosy University built a strong foundation for his career—and that his instructors guided and supported him as he worked toward his master’s degree. “Dr. Bina Parekh, an associate professor, made the biggest impact on me,” he said. “I believe that my dedication to being a culturally component psychologist, devoted to growing and challenging myself in the areas of diversity and multicultural psychology, is due to the influence she had on me during this time.”
In addition to his work with the Suicide CPR Initiative, Nicholas is a member of the board of directors of the GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBT Equality, the world's largest and oldest association of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender health care professionals.
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