Breaking the Stigma: A Conversation with Dr. Dwight Kemp

Men’s Health Month invites us to reflect not just on physical wellness, but on the emotional and mental health challenges that too often go unspoken. In this feature, we speak with Dr. Dwight Kemp, a Physician Affiliate Group of New York, P.C. (PAGNY) provider and Unit Chief and Attending Psychiatrist of the Extended Care Unit at NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County -. With deep roots in service and a passion for community psychiatry, Dr. Kemp shares powerful insights into his journey, the barriers men face in mental healthcare, and the transformative impact of compassionate, culturally responsive treatment.

A Legacy of Service

For Dr. Kemp, a career in psychiatry was more than a professional choice; it was a calling shaped by family tradition. "Since early childhood, I watched close and extended relatives contribute their time, energy, and resources to making the lives of others better," he shares. Inspired by this legacy of service, much of which was carried out through Christian ministry and community work, Dr. Kemp found his own path in psychiatry—a different way to serve, but rooted in the same values.

Championing Underserved Communities

Joining PAGNY and NYC Health + Hospitals was a natural extension of Dr. Kemp’s mission. As Unit Chief of the Extended Care Unit at Kings County Hospital, he leads one of three innovative programs that address the needs of individuals with severe and persistent mental illness, many of whom face homelessness and repeated hospitalization.

"As a Public and Community Psychiatrist, caring for underserved, disadvantaged, and vulnerable populations with complex needs ranks highly among my clinical interests and personal values," he explains. "We don’t just manage medication. We offer psychosocial rehabilitation and address social determinants of health like housing and food security. This is the kind of work I always wanted to do."

That mission becomes even more urgent when addressing the mental health needs of men, where stigma and silence still cast long shadows.

The Hidden Struggles of Men’s Mental Health

Dr. Kemp highlights unique challenges that men face when it comes to mental healthcare. "Men with clinical depression are often underdiagnosed," he notes, pointing out that men may express depression through anger or numbness rather than sadness. Risky behaviors, social withdrawal, and mistrust of the healthcare system—particularly among men from marginalized communities—further compound the issue.

"It is incumbent upon us as physicians and mental health professionals to earn the trust of all our patients. That requires validating their feelings, acknowledging past and present failures, and ensuring that training, practice, and policy are informed by the most up-to-date science," Dr. Kemp adds.

He emphasizes the need for culturally responsive treatment and the importance of using language that resonates with male patients. "Men are not a monolith. They reflect a broad spectrum of identities and experiences, and our care should acknowledge that complexity."

Building Trust in Clinical Spaces

Creating a safe, trusting environment is essential, especially for patients hesitant to open up. Dr. Kemp advocates for humility and adaptability. "We often expect patients to conform to our frameworks, but healing begins when we meet them where they are," he says.

"Using metaphors from a patient’s interests—whether sports or cooking—can make clinical concepts more accessible. "Rather than using terminology only professionals understand, it's important to use emotional intelligence to relate to the patient in ways that make sense to them."

Moments That Reinforce the Mission

Among many memorable experiences, Dr. Kemp recalls treating a formerly incarcerated young man with a complex psychiatric history. Initially met with skepticism and fear, the patient ultimately thrived in the unit’s therapeutic environment, becoming a beloved figure among staff and peers.

"Even with our highly trained, mission-driven team, there were team members who questioned his appropriateness for the unit and were afraid of him," he recalls. "But I reassured them that our program was the right intervention. Today, he is housed, stable, and working as a visual artist. This is why we do what we do."

Caring for the Caregiver

Dr. Kemp is candid about his own mental health journey, including a childhood diagnosis of dyslexia. Over the years, he’s learned what sustains him: meaningful connection, spiritual practice, purpose-driven work, and physical health.

His four pillars of wellness serve as a personal roadmap:

Connection with loved ones

Spiritual and metaphysical practices

Purposeful work that serves others

Physical care through exercise, medication, sleep, and nutrition

"In times of great challenge, and when these pillars are not enough, I seek professional help," he shares.

Dr. Kemp’s story is a testament to the power of empathy, cultural competence, and resilience in transforming mental healthcare. As we close out Men’s Health Month, his insights remind us that breaking the stigma begins with listening, understanding, and meeting people where they are. His work is a reminder that compassionate care and authentic connection are the first steps toward lasting change.

Mental wellness is a year-round priority, and conversations like these remind us that progress begins with understanding and compassion—every day of the year.