Lifestyle

Mental Health Resources for Black Americans

There are organizations that are offering help. Here are some of them.

African American Wellness Project (AAWP)

This national organization aims to close the health and healthcare gap between African Americans and the rest of America. AAWP provides culturally relevant health information, resources (including mental health resources), health education programs, access to African American health experts (including a podcast hosted by Black doctors), and an online symptom checker.

Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM)

BEAM uses education, training, advocacy, and the creative arts to remove the barriers that Black people experience when attempting to access or connect with emotional healthcare and healing.

Black Female Therapists (BFT)

This online platform promotes Black female therapists and creates a safe space for Black women to discuss their mental health. Use the directory to connect with a therapist (there’s also a directory of Black male therapists), receive guidance through the blog or podcast, and participate in weekly self-care classes.

Black Men Heal

The goals of this organization include removing the stigma surrounding mental health in Black men, eliminating barriers to mental health treatment, and matching Black men with therapists who can relate to their unique experiences with racism, prejudice, and economic disparities.

Black Mental Health Alliance

This alliance of mental health providers serves as a clearinghouse for information and resources for people of color. The “Find a Therapist” locator can identify and connect users with a culturally competent mental health professional.

Black Mental Wellness

This team of professionals provides access to evidence-based information and resources about mental health and behavioral health topics from a Black perspective, as well as training opportunities for students and professionals.

Black Women’s Health Imperative (BWHI)

BWHI asks a simple yet profoundly complex question: What if all Black women and girls enjoyed optimal health and well-being in a socially just society? The uses policy, advocacy, education, research, and leadership development to advance health equity and social justice for Black women.

Melanin & Mental Health

Led by two “melanin-rich women,” Melanin & Mental Health connects individuals with culturally competent clinicians committed to serving the mental health needs of Black and Latino/Hispanic communities. They also promote the growth and healing of diverse communities through the organization’s website, online directory, and events.

POC Online Classroom

A wealth of information and readings on the importance of self-care, mental health care, and healing for people of color and within activist movements is available here.

Sister Afya

This Chicago-based community organization provides mental wellness education, resources, and community support for Black women.

Therapy for Black Girls

This online community support group promotes the mental wellness of Black women and girls. It also includes a list of mental health professionals across the country who provide high-quality, culturally competent services to Black women and girls, along with an informational podcast.

The Steve Fund

The only national organization focused on supporting the mental health and emotional well-being of young people of color, the Steve Fund works with colleges and universities, nonprofits, researchers, and mental health experts to promote programs and strategies that build understanding and provide assistance.

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