Mental Health Resources: Confronting Racism and Bias
AAKOMA Project The Aakoma Project was founded by Dr. Alfiee to “work with teenagers and their families to raise awareness, conduct patient-centered research, and encourage young people to begin conversations in their communities.” The project “brings a special focus on the unique experiences of people of color. As a result, we are able to engage with communities on a deeper, culturally-relevant level by conducting research and providing clinical support.” (Instagram) Dr. Alfiee wrote an article titled “Black Girl Magic and Black Boy Joy Start With Healthy Minds,” which addresses Dr. Alfiee’s ideas on how to support the mental health needs of black youth.
BEAM - Black Emotional and Mental Health BEAM is a collective of advocates, therapists, religious leaders, psychologists, artists, activists, teachers, and more that are dedicated to the emotional and mental health and healing of Black communities. They aim to break down the barriers to healing through education, advocacy, training, and the creative arts. Their tool kits and resources include journaling prompts, infographics, wellness worksheets, and more. Via videos and training, they address topics such as Black masculinity, peer support, and managing anxiety. In the case of a mental health crisis, they provide a directory of Mobile Crisis Unit Services, a group of mental health professionals, to come in as an alternative to 911 and the police. They have so much more, just check it out!
Tool Kits & Resources Mobile Crisis Directory
@blackmentalhealthmatters_ Black Mental Health Matters is an Instagram account that aims to support the mental health of Black people. They feature inspirational posts, quotes and reposts from mental health professionals, and a community for people to talk about Black mental health.
The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation This foundation provides a directory of mental health providers and programs that serve the African-American community, including faith-based programs, mental health clinics, retail products/shops, alternative healing methods, and more. They also sponsor free local youth and young adult virtual support groups. (Instagram)
BWHI - Black Women’s Health Imperative A non-profit organization created by Black women to support, protect, and promote the health and wellness of Black women and girls. They have programs, educational resources, and ways to take action in policy, donation, and other ways. (Instagram)
Couched in Color (Weekly Podcast) Couched in Color is Dr. Alfiee’s (founder of AAKOMA Project) weekly podcast that encourages conversations about the mental health needs of youth and young adults of color. (Instagram)
@decolonizingourhealing Decolonizing our Healing is an Instagram account that raises mental health awareness for POC (people of color) by POC.
Harvard’s Anti-Racism Self-Care Resources Harvard created a list of anti-racist self-care resources, including black-led mental health resources, free emotional well-being resources, and free guided mindfulness & guided meditations.
The Loveland Foundation The Loveland Foundation provides financial support to Black women and girls seeking therapy. They partner with Therapy for Black Girls, National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network, and other organizations to provide free or subsidized therapy. They provide up to 4-8 sessions for free in partnership with these organizations and help participants with funding for future sessions. Interested participants must apply to receive financial support. (Instagram)
Mental Health America Mental Health America has made a BIPOC and LGBTQ+ Mental Health infographic which lays out the mental health challenges these communities face.
National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network A directory that helps locate QTPoC mental health practitioners (includes a Google Map feature).
The Steve Fund - Video ToolKit to Support the Well-Being of Students of Color The Steve Fund and the University of Michigan partnered to create a video toolkit for allies to support the well-being of students of color. This is for students in higher education, but may be applicable to younger students as well.
Talking About Race This website provides educators, caregivers, and those who are committed to equity with guides and resources on how to talk about race.
Therapy for Black Girls An online space dedicated to promote the mental wellbeing of Black girls and women. This space is a community where Black girls and women can connect and support each other via the Yellow Couch Collective. The organization hosts events/talks around mental well-being and helps these girls and women find Black therapists. They also have a very popular mental health podcast called Therapy for Black Girls. (Instagram)
Therapy for Black Men This website provides a directory for Black men to find a therapist that suits their needs. They also have a blog and collection of articles that address topics such as therapy, relationships, stress management, and more.
RESilience - Racial and Ethnic Socialization (RES) - Uplifting Youth Through Healthy Communication About Race Through RESilience, the American Psychological Association provides caregivers and others the resources for how to support children of color as they navigate racism and inter- and intra-racial relationships and interactions. They aim to help these adults promote strength, well-being and health of youth of color. This website provides guides and resources for caregivers and books about race and ethnicity for caregivers and teachers.