02/23/2026
As Black History Month comes to a close, we’re taking a moment at Three Rivers Treatment Center to honor the African American pioneers who changed the landscape of mental health.
While we are proud to serve children of all backgrounds and ethnicities, we know that the care we provide to our residents today is built on the brave work of those who came before us.
Dr. Herman George Canady: He was one of the first to realize that a child’s environment and the person testing them can change their results. He fought for "cultural fairness," ensuring that every child is seen for their true potential.
Dr. Inez Beverly Prosser: The first African American woman to earn a PhD in psychology, she dedicated her life to researching how social environments affect a child’s confidence and mental well-being.
Jacki McKinney, M.S.W.: A powerhouse advocate and survivor, Jacki changed the way facilities like ours operate. She spoke out nationally against the use of seclusion and restraints, pushing for "trauma-informed care" that prioritizes de-escalation and family support over control. Her work ensures that when a teen is in crisis, they are met with compassion, not force.
Dr. Francis Cecil Sumner: Known as the "Father of Black Psychology," he broke massive barriers to ensure that mental health support was accessible to everyone. His grit paved the way for the diverse range of therapies we use today.
We celebrate these legacies because they help us see the strength in every teen who walks through our doors. History isn’t just in the past—it’s in the progress we make together every day at Three Rivers.
