Our Founder - Nigerian Teen Mental Health Awareness

Omoye Fishinton

Founder & Executive Director

Omoye Fishinton is a passionate mental health advocate, licensed counselor, and social entrepreneur who founded Nigerian Teen Mental Health Awareness with a deeply personal mission: to ensure that no young Nigerian suffers in silence with mental health challenges.

With over 15 years of experience in psychology, counseling, and community development, Fishinton has dedicated her career to understanding and addressing the unique mental health needs of African youth, particularly in the Nigerian context where cultural stigma often prevents young people from seeking help.

Her journey into mental health advocacy began during her own teenage years when she witnessed firsthand how cultural barriers prevented many of her peers from accessing the mental health support they desperately needed. This experience ignited a passion that would eventually lead her to pursue advanced degrees in Clinical Psychology and Community Mental Health.

Before founding Nigerian Teen Mental Health Awareness, Fishinton worked extensively with various international NGOs, government agencies, and healthcare institutions, where she developed innovative, culturally-sensitive approaches to mental health care that respect traditional Nigerian values while incorporating evidence-based therapeutic practices.

Professional Background

Education

M.A. Clinical Psychology
University of Lagos

B.Sc. Psychology
Covenant University

Certifications

Licensed Professional Counselor
Nigerian Association of Clinical Psychologists

Certified in Adolescent Therapy

Specializations

Teen Mental Health
Family Therapy
Crisis Intervention
Community Psychology

Experience

15+ Years in Mental Health
10+ Years in Youth Counseling
8+ Years in Community Programs

Leadership Philosophy

" Mental health is not a luxury—it's a fundamental human right. Every young person deserves to feel heard, understood, and empowered to overcome their challenges. When we create safe spaces free from judgment and stigma, we unlock the incredible potential that lies within our youth. "

- Omoye Fishinton

Core Beliefs

Fishinton's approach to mental health is built on several key principles that guide Nigerian Teen Mental Health Awareness's operations:

Cultural Sensitivity: Mental health care must respect and incorporate cultural values while challenging harmful stigmas.
Youth Empowerment: Young people are not just recipients of care but active partners in their healing journey.
Community Integration: Lasting change happens when families, schools, and communities work together.
Holistic Approach: True mental wellness addresses emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions of health.
Prevention Focus: Early intervention and prevention are more effective than crisis response alone.
Professional Excellence: Every service must meet the highest standards of ethical and clinical practice.

Vision for the Future

Under Fishinton's leadership, Nigerian Teen Mental Health Awareness is working toward a future where:

Mental health education is integrated into every school curriculum in Nigeria
Every community has trained mental health first aid responders
Teletherapy services reach even the most remote areas of Nigeria
Government policies prioritize youth mental health at all levels

Key Achievements

Founded Nigerian Teen Mental Health Awareness, now serving 2000+ youth annually
Developed culturally-adapted therapy protocols for Nigerian teenagers
Trained over 200 mental health professionals across Nigeria
Established partnerships with 50+ schools and educational institutions
Led successful collaboration with NDLEA on drug abuse prevention
Recipient of the National Mental Health Advocacy Award 2024
Published researcher on African youth mental health
Regular speaker at international mental health conferences

Connect with Fishinton

Available for speaking engagements, consultations, and partnerships

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Meet Our Founder