Dr. Virginia O. Rubaine is a distinguished psychologist with an extensive educational background. She earned her Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) and a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from Nova Southeastern University, where she also received academic honors for her outstanding performance, culminating in a Summa Cum Laude graduation in 2003. Prior to that, she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Morgan State University, further establishing her dedication to the field of mental health and psychology.
Dr. Rubaine has accrued significant clinical training experience, most notably through her participation in the Mental Health Services Management program with the Pan American Health Organization and the World Health Organization. She has undergone rigorous training in various areas, including effective crisis intervention and trauma-informed care for child victims. Her clinical internships have provided her with a broad array of experiences, such as providing outpatient therapy to clients of all ages, conducting psychological assessments, and engaging in group therapy settings.
Currently, Dr. Rubaine serves as the Director of Mental Health Services at the BVI Health Services Authority, where she leads initiatives to enhance the mental healthcare delivery in the British Virgin Islands. Under her leadership, the agency focuses on providing culturally competent and community-oriented mental health services, while also addressing pressing mental health needs through crisis interventions and outreach programs. Her role emphasizes comprehensive service coordination for a diverse population, ensuring that the team meets the evolving needs of the community.
Throughout her career, Dr. Rubaine has also been involved in academia as an adjunct professor, where she has contributed to the education and development of future mental health professionals. She actively collaborates on research projects aimed at reducing mental health stigma and studying cultural practices, emphasizing her commitment to both applied and theoretical advancements in psychology. Her research includes significant studies on the experiences of Black West Indian professional women and mental health stigma in small island communities.
Dr. Rubaine has received several accolades for her contributions to psychology and her dedication to service, including the Dr. May P. Claytor Award and the Ruth Brett Award at Morgan State University. As an active member of various professional organizations, she continues to advocate for mental health awareness and policy improvement on both local and international levels, solidifying her status as a leader in the field of mental health.
