Black / African American Mental Health Resources

It has taken me far too long to address the disparities between black people and white people in the health care space, and for that I am shameful yet motivated to learn, educate myself better, and take more action toward establishing equity in my field. To start, below are some resources pulled together by the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Whether you’re black looking for support, or white looking for some resources in which to educate yourself with in order to be a better ally toward our black brothers and sisters, this comprehensive list should keep you busy! As always, I am here for tough conversations, feedback, questions, and as a shoulder to lean on.

Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM)
Group aimed at removing the barriers that Black people experience getting access to or staying connected with emotional health care and healing. They do this through education, training, advocacy and the creative arts.

Black Men Heal
Limited and selective free mental health service opportunities for Black men.

Black Mental Health Alliance - (410) 338-2642
Provides information and resources and a “Find a Therapist” locator to connect with a culturally competent mental health professional.

Black Mental Wellness
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
Organization advancing health equity and social justice for Black women through policy, advocacy, education, research and leadership development.

Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation
BLHF has launched the COVID-19 Free Virtual Therapy Support Campaign to raise money for mental health services provided by licensed clinicians in our network. Individuals with life-changing stressors and anxiety related to the coronavirus will have the cost for up to five (5) individual sessions defrayed on a first come, first serve basis until all funds are committed or exhausted.

Brother You’re on My Mind
An initiative launched by Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and NIMHD to raise awareness of the mental health challenges associated with depression and stress that affect Black men and families. Website offers an online toolkit that provides Omega Psi Phi Fraternity chapters with the materials needed to educate fellow fraternity brothers and community members on depression and stress in Black men.

Ebony's Mental Health Resources by State
List of Black-owned and focused mental health resources by state as compiled by Ebony magazine.

Henry Health
Provides culturally sensitive self-care support and teletherapy for Black men and their families. Currently in pilot program available only to residents of MD, VA and DC. Residents of other states can join their waiting list and will be notified when Henry Health is available in their state.

Melanin and Mental Health
Connects individuals with culturally competent clinicians committed to serving the mental health needs of Black & Latinx/Hispanic communities. Promotes the growth and healing of diverse communities through its website, online directory and events.

Ourselves Black
Provides information on promoting mental health and developing positive coping mechanisms through a podcast, online magazine and online discussion groups.

POC Online Classroom
Contains readings on the importance of self care, mental health care, and healing for people of color and within activist movements.

Sista Afya
Organization that provides mental wellness education, resource connection and community support for Black women.

Therapy for Black Girls
Online space dedicated to encouraging the mental wellness of Black women and girls. Offers listing of mental health professionals across the country who provide high quality, culturally competent services to Black women and girls, an informational podcast and an online support community.

The SIWE Project
Non-profit dedicated to promoting mental health awareness throughout the global Black community.

The Steve Fund
Organization focused on supporting the mental health and emotional well-being of young people of color.

Unapologetically Us
Online community for Black women to seek support.

Self-Care for People of Color

We recognize that many mental health conditions are being triggered as a result of the coronavirus, the economic crisis and repeated racist incidents and death.

Learn more about mental health conditions including anxiety disorders, depression and posttraumatic stress disorder.

  • Article on coping with anticipatory grief

  • Article on coping with traumatic stress

  • Article on Racial Battle Fatigue

Treatment Directories

Educational Resources on Racism and Inequality

Understanding the context of racism and recent events

  • Video on understanding racism and the reactions to the death of George Floyd and many others

  • Video on understanding the perspectives of your colleagues of color

  • Article on “White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack”

  • List of Anti-Racism resources

Understanding the context of racial inequality that impacts mental health

Understanding and addressing the social determinants of health that impact mental health

  • Article on improving the health of Black Americans and the overdue opportunity for social justice

  • Video on understanding the social determinants of health and toxic stress

  • Video on the social determinants of toxic stress, specifically race and ethnic toxic stress

  • APA Stress & Trauma Toolkit for treating Black Americans in a changing political and social environment

  • The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Page on Achieving Health Equity – Information about why health equity matters and what you can do to help give everyone a fair shot at being as healthy as they can be.

Ways to take action as an ally or champion for people of color

Books to Read

Chelsie MooreComment