Sameera Ahmed

Background

About Sameera Ahmed

Dr. Sameera Ahmed is a clinical psychologist, author, and globally recognized authority on Muslim mental health. As the Founder and Executive Director of The Family and Youth Institute (The FYI), she pioneers an innovative public health model that blends clinical expertise, research, and education to strengthen families and empower communities. Her research focuses on critical issues such as risk behaviors among Muslim adolescents and emerging adults, culturally informed psychotherapy, and family-strengthening interventions. She is the co-editor of the influential Counseling Muslims: Handbook of Mental Health Issues and Interventions and has authored key publications, including The State of American Muslim Youth and Uplifting Black Muslim Youth. She also serves as Associate Editor of the Journal of Muslim Mental Health. Dr. Ahmed specializes in spiritually integrated psychotherapy and marriage counseling in her clinical practice, providing culturally tailored care to Muslim clients. Her expertise has been featured on prominent platforms such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Atlantic, and she has shared her insights at international conferences, government forums, and the White House. Through The FYI, Dr. Ahmed integrates faith, therapy, and research to develop practical resources and drive systemic change, redefining how Muslim mental health is supported and addressed in communities worldwide.