Dr. Delvena Thomas is a tireless advocate and nationally recognized mental health expert working to end the stigma of mental illness and educate the public about the brain.

 

She is a mother, an American soldier, a scientist, and a physician who promotes healthy living to strengthen individuals, families, communities, and workplaces around the world. She is an ardent champion of sound mental health and an expert in the development of evidence-based prevention, as well as treatment strategies that foster it.

 

Trained in Medicine and Psychiatry at the University of Maryland Medical Systems in Baltimore (MD), she is board-certified in Psychiatry and Neurology and maintains a private practice in psychotherapy, psychopharmacology, and alternative health, including CBD products and medicinal cannabis certifications. She maintains hospital privileges at Aventura Hospital (Aventura, FL) and Broward Health North, (Pompano Beach, FL).

 

Dr. Thomas holds key leadership roles in panel discussions and at town hall meetings that have included congressional and community leaders such as United States Congresswoman Fredericka Wilson and Civil Rights Activist Al Sharpton. Her expertise has been much sought after in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the nationwide protests and riots that arose from the death of Minnesota resident George Floyd while in police custody. Noted events include: June 2020 featured guest on WUSA “Great Day Washington,” to discuss and provide tips on managing emotions during the protests; NBC 6 Miami “Breathing While Black Virtual Town Hall,” featured guest along with activist Sybrina Fulton, mother of Trayvon Martin; May 2020 featured mental health expert during Mental Health Awareness Month on Cox Media’s HOT 105’s “The Show” with hosts Shelby Rushin and Big Lip, and on the nationally syndicated radio show “The Rick and Sasha Show”, April 2020 “COVID-19 Survival in the Black Community Town Hall” with renowned minister and author Bishop T.D. Jakes; April 2020 COVID-19 Town Hall Meeting, in South Florida, with United States Congresswoman Fredericka Wilson and Civil Rights Activist Al Sharpton; January 2020 Mental Health Summit, in Los Angeles, CA, with Bishop T.D. Jakes. She has been a guest on Sirius XM Radio on the “Karen Hunter Show” and also a guest on, “Excuse Me Dr!”.

 

Dr. Thomas has a long track record of appearing on media outlets across the country to discuss a wide range of topics such as “bad bosses, synthetic drugs, military issues, ‘Brain Love Foods’ and Post-Partum Mental Health Problems. She regularly appears on local television and radio programs in South Florida, which include the NBC 6 community affairs show “Voices” and former guest co-host and producer for the community affairs show on COX Media Group’s 99 Jamz FM, “Community Matters” with host Supa Cindy. Affectionately known as “Dr. Delvena”, she is also the author and producer of her own podcast “The Brain Love Podcast”.

 

The DRT Brain Love Foundation was founded in 2018 by Dr. Thomas. Its mission is to provide a culturally sensitive and holistic approach to mental and behavioral health for disadvantaged individuals by encompassing awareness, education, prevention, and treatment modalities to improve the quality of life. Her giving does not stop there. She also serves as the Medical Director for Be Strong International, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and is on the Board of Directors for The Key Clubhouse of South Florida. She is also an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Having been blessed with knowledge and experience in the mental health industry, giving back to the community is important to Dr. Thomas. In 2023, she was recognized on WEDR/99JAMZ during Women’s History Month for her contributions.

 

Dr. Thomas developed a Healing Heroes Mental Wellness Program in 2019, where she taught hundreds of police officers, with the North Miami and North Miami Beach Police Departments, techniques to handle the stress, anxiety, depression, and other pressures that often come with such critical and challenging roles in the community.

 

In her private practice, Dr. Thomas provides individual, couple, and group therapy to address several issues, including performance problems experienced by serious amateur and professional athletes, addiction, sexual dysfunction, mood, and anxiety disorders. She is also the owner of DRT Wellness Spa where massages, weight loss management, facials, and anti-aging techniques can all be incorporated into a client’s wellness program.

 

She works as a consultant for companies and government agencies, leading group discussions that help organizations reboot their work climates and address cultural sensitivity. Having served as clinical director and chief psychiatrist for the U.S. Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Prisons, she is adept at providing instruction to federal employees and in law enforcement settings.

 

Dr. Thomas received her undergraduate degree from the Notre Dame of Maryland University. She received her medical degree from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2003 and completed her residency training at the University of Maryland and Sheppard Enoch Pratt Psychiatry Program four years later. During her residency, she also attained her Master’s degree in Public Health.

 

Dr. Thomas is also a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve and a veteran of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom who has completed three tours of duty — to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait — to provide mental health care for soldiers needing stress reduction and therapy, family connectedness and spiritual well-being. She is a lifetime member of VFW Post 8195 Stone of Hope in Pembroke Pines, FL.

 

Born in Fort Riley, Kansas, and raised in a military family, Dr. Thomas has loved soldiers all her life. Today, she lives in Florida with her son who is a Florida International University alum and a graduate of Florida State University’s MBA program. He will be matriculating in law school this coming fall. She is an advocate of music therapy and will travel for the right show! In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, playing golf, fine dining, podcasting, and watching college and professional football.

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