Mental Health


Mental health in the Black community is rarely talked about. In this generation, we are getting better at talking about mental health and not having it seem like a "taboo" topic, but we still have a long way to go, especially with the older generation of Black people. When talking about Black trauma and healing we have to talk about the Intergenerational trauma that is passed down. The weight of intergenerational trauma on Black people can lead to a myriad of health issues, from mental health to physical health. Often, there is a lack of spaces within health care and wellness for Black people to seek help. This kind of trauma can leave us in constant turmoil, questioning our self-worth. Intergenerational trauma can be addressed through therapy, but therapy isn't accessible for many Black people. As hard as it is, sometimes we have to sit down and examine how we (you) feel to assess the impacts of day-to-day trauma and microaggressions on your mental health. A lot of our insecurities and things that affect our mental health comes from these microaggressions, and racial trauma. Although the process of healing from racial trauma isn't an easy one there are steps that can be taken and resources available to help. Black joy is also a form of healing, community, and resistance. Centering on Black joy is not about dismissing or creating an “alternative” Black narrative that ignores the realities of our collective pain; rather, it is about holding the pain and injustice we experience as Black folks around the world in tension with the joy we experience in the pain’s midst. The two, joy and pain, are not mutually exclusive, and often we need the latter to get through the former. Each time we experience joy or articulate what it means to ourselves and each other, we are creating space to imagine how else we can exist. We must imagine both the demise of a global system of oppression as well as what will exist in its stead (Black Youth Project). If you are able to afford therapy and want to try it out we will be listing some links where you can find Black therapists near you, and if therapy isn't accessible to you there are a few podcasts by licensed therapists, psychologists, and just everyday Black people dealing with mental health. That can hopefully help your mental health and healing journey. Your mental health matters, no matter what anyone tries to tell you.

Therapy

Therapy for Black Girls- you can find a virtual or in-office Black therapist near you. They give you all information on the therapists, how to contact them, their sessions, and any insurance providers

Licensed therapists based in Boston

Licensed therapists based in Worcester

Inclusive Therapists- they center the needs of marginalized populations, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, the LGBTQ+ community, neurodivergent folx, and people with disabilities

Boris L. Henson Foundation- the foundation has recently begun offering free virtual therapy to those who might be experiencing life-changing events due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Virtual or tele-therapy services by licensed, culturally competent clinicians in their network will be covered for up to five sessions.

National Queer & Trans Therapists of Color Network- founded to transform mental health for queer and trans people of color, and provides a directory of mental health practitioners across the country as well as a mental health fund that offers financial support for queer and trans people of color seeking treatment.

The Loveland Foundation- created to help Black women and girls get therapy and support. The foundation also has a fund that offers financial assistance for Black women and girls seeking therapy.


Ethel’s Club- a Brooklyn-based social and wellness destination providing healing spaces specifically for people of color. Right now, the organization is hosting free virtual gatherings and healing sessions for the Black community, as well as wellness and workout sessions. You can also join their live-streamed classes and salons for a $17/month digital membership subscription.

Talkspace- a popular online therapy app, which offers financial assistance for therapy in the Black community.

Podcasts

The Homecoming Podcast with Dr. Thema- Spotify, Itunes, Youtube, Soundcloud

Dr. Thema Bryant-Davis is a licensed psychologist, ordained minister, and sacred artist. The Homecoming Podcast with Dr. Thema is a podcast to facilitate your journey home to yourself by providing weekly inspiration and health tips.

Therapy for Black Girls: Spotify, Itunes

The Therapy for Black Girls Podcast is a weekly conversation with Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a licensed psychologist in Atlanta, Georgia, about all things mental health, personal development, and all the small decisions we can make to become the best possible version of ourselves.

The Black (Un)Conscious- Spotify, Their Website

A mental health podcast about living, coping, and THRIVING while Black in America hosted by Dr. Justin Hopkins, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, and Raquel Martin, MS, PhD Candidate. Using research, current events, pop-culture, and clinical insight, together they breakdown the conscious and less-conscious aspects of Black mental health.

Fireflies Unite with Kea- Itunes, Soundcloud

A weekly podcast from the perspective of individuals thriving with a mental illness created by suicide survivor T-Kea Blackman. The mission of the podcast is to bring light into darkness (just like the fireflies), encourage people of color to seek treatment and end the stigma and raise awareness. We want to show that mental illness does not have "a look"; it includes everyday high-functioning people. The podcast is also designed for people to see how everyday decisions impact their mental health and overall wellness such as finances, relationships, and nutrition.

The FriendZone- Spotify, Itunes, Soundcloud

Listen along every Wednesday as Dustin Ross, HeyFranHey & Assante explore mental health, mental wealth and mental hygiene, because who in the hell wants a musty brain?