There are many obstacles to finding professional mental health services. There’s the cost, your compatibility with the professional, and their availability.
But then there’s also the challenge of finding someone who understands you. If you’ve had difficulty finding a therapist who understands your particular experience with micro-aggressions, prejudice, and racism—well, so do others. In fact, there are several organizations and resources that are born from that very challenge.
The following mental health services are geared toward helping connect the black community with mental health professionals.
Here are a few:
Black Mental Wellness
The Instagram account posts information about online support sessions and meditation. For example, it recently shared details for an upcoming mental health check in, “What’s Good Bro?,” led by black licensed therapists.
The Safe Place App
The free resource was created by Jasmin Pierre, mental health advocate, who wanted to help the black community cope with depression and suicide, according to Good Morning America.
“Today, gun violence, micro-aggressions toward black people on their jobs and everyday life, racial profiling, racism and police brutality also play a part in our generational trauma and lack of [focus on] mental health,” Pierre explained in her GMA story.
The Safe Place includes information on black mental health statistics, self-care tips, and how racism impacts the mental health of the black community.
Heal Haus
The company has a wellness studio created to be an inclusive and accessible space for everyone, reported Healthyish. Amid COVID-19, Heal Haus brought their yoga, meditation, and workshop online via streaming services. Proceeds from an upcoming meditation session held June 3 will support the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, Reclaim the Block, and George Floyd’s Family, according to the Heal Haus account.
Decolonize Therapy
The account was created by Jennifer Mullan, Psy.D. as a way to push diversity in the mental health profession, so therapists are relatable to the communities in which they serve. Mullan shares thoughts about how racism, poverty, and class effect people’s access to mental health services. You’ll also find meditation sessions only for black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC).
Inclusive Therapists
The community acts as a directory of therapists from different identities, abilities, and bodies. On the website, you can sort through therapists by location, identity, cost, and specialty to find someone you’re comfortable talking to.
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