LIFT the Mind

Dr. Zachary Gerdes founded LIFT the Mind because he recognized a gap in the world. On one hand, social scientists have rich data to share regarding men’s mental health. On the other, mental health stigma and problematic conceptions of masculinities pervade. The LIFT model of masculinities was spawned from science designed to improve men’s mental health without minimizing our self conceptions of our values and identities as men.

Dr. Zach has presented around the U.S. and internationally on a plethora of topics, from reducing mental health stigma and gender-based violence to improving psychological health and resilience with tough-to-reach groups, such as military, first-responders, and skeptical men.

His book Man Kind (published by Johns Hopkins) outlines a framework for evolving masculinities to be healthier and less oppressive without throwing out men’s gender identities altogether. He publishes and presents widely including 15 research publications, 28 academic presentations, and over 25 invited presentations to date. He has held a variety of clinical, research, and teaching roles throughout the U.S. including in hospitals, universities, private practice, and in the United States Armed Forces. He currently serves as an active duty Captain in the United States Air Force and prides himself on serving those who serve and protecting our highest value as human beings: the freedom to pursue our best and most authentic selves.

The conclusions and opinions expressed herein are those of Zachary Gerdes the psychologist, not the military officer, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the United States Air Force or the Department of Defense.