Somtochukwu Okereafor

Somtochukwu Okereafor is the Director of Communications and Partnerships at The Psychological Foundry for Human Development Initiative (PFI). She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Clinical Psychology from the University of Ibadan, where she established the academic and professional foundations that continue to guide her work in therapy, research, and advocacy. She completed her clinical training at University College Hospital, Ibadan, gaining experience in substance use, neurodevelopmental disorders, depression, and schizophrenia, while developing expertise in assessment, psychotherapy, and crisis intervention in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

Somtochukwu served as Head of the Counselling Team at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. In this role, she offered therapeutic support to students and staff, promoting psychological well-being, academic resilience, and vocational development. These experiences deepened her interest in the role of psychology within both educational and clinical settings, solidifying her dedication to accessible, person-centred care.

Alongside her clinical work, Somtochukwu has been actively involved in research, working as a Research Assistant, collaborator, and co-author on both local and international projects. She has also taught undergraduate psychology courses and volunteered with the Nigerian Association of Clinical Psychologists on community awareness initiatives. These combined experiences demonstrate her commitment to bridging the gap between psychological science, clinical practice, and public engagement.

At PFI, Somtochukwu oversees the organisation’s communications and partnerships, shaping its voice, fostering collaborations, and ensuring its vision is conveyed clearly and effectively. In this role, she remains dedicated to promoting psychological innovation and mental health advocacy, strengthening mentorship, and increasing access to evidence-based care in underrepresented communities. You can contact her at somto@psychfoundry.org