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After years of agitation by Black Lives Matter and other activists, national momentum to end police brutality in America is finally growing. We’re edging toward a future in which Black people in the United States can live and thrive without fear. If you are a non-Black person in America, there are plenty of resources out there for you on how to support this movement with your time, your voice or your wallet.
For Black Americans, sometimes the most important mode of resistance can be protecting your own mental health and emotional space. Your mere existence, the simple act of continuing to breathe when so many Black people have been denied that right, is a form of rebellion. To support the emotional well-being of Black Americans at this time, we’ve compiled a list of therapy resources below.
Therapy for Black Girls
The stigma surrounding mental health and therapy often prevents Black women from seeking help, so licensed psychologist Dr. Joy Harden Bradford founded Therapy for Black Girls as a resource to provide accessible mental health support to Black women; the site offers a directory of in-office or virtual therapists. Therapy for Black Girls has also become a successful podcast. @therapyforblackgirls
Loveland Foundation
Loveland Foundation brings healing to communities of color, with a particular focus on Black women and girls. Established in 2018 by Rachel Cargle, it provides financial assistance for Black individuals through the Loveland Therapy Fund. The organization currently partners with Therapy for Black Girls, NQTTCN, Talkspace and Open Path Collective. @thelovelandfoundation
The National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network (NQTTCN)
NQTTCN is a healing justice organization working to transform mental health for queer and trans people of color through increased access to QTPoC healthcare practitioners and increased access to healing justice resources. @nqttcn
Black Mental Health Alliance
The Black Mental Health Alliance works to develop, promote and sponsor educational forums and referral services to support the health and well-being of Black people. The alliance maintains a database for clinicians to connect with patients as well as educate themselves, provide community workshops, and school-based mental health services.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
NAMI was formed in 1979 and has since become a leading voice on mental health, with more than 500 local affiliates. It is a resource for mental health education, advocacy and action. The alliance provides, among other things, advice for Black people interested in therapy and finding a well-matched provider.
Melanin and Mental Health
Licensed therapists Eliza Boquin and Eboni Harris founded Melanin and Mental Health to connect therapy-seeking individuals with clinicians who serve Black and Latinx communities. Their platform includes an online directory and podcast, as well as events focused on mental health and racism @melaninandmentalhealth
Dive in Well
Wellness has become a trillion-dollar market, and Dive in Well was established to ensure that space has diversity. It was founded by Maryam Ajayi, healer and entrepreneur, and offers resources such as corporate training and two- to three-hour workshops focusing on the importance of diversity in the wellness industry, and on fostering true allyship. @diveinwell
Sista Afya
Sista Afya is a Chicago-based organization created for Black women to help them connect and share resources to support their mental health. Low-cost monthly support groups, free events to physically connect, and therapy sessions with a sliding-scale option are on offer. @sistaafya
Inclusive Therapists
Founded by Melody Li to train mental health and wellness professionals as well as to match individuals with therapists, Inclusive Therapists provides culturally affirming, anti-racist, anti-ableist therapy. Its network includes reduced-fee teletherapy. @inclusivetherapists
Ethel’s Club
Ethel’s is a Brooklyn-based social and wellness club that now offers virtual membership due to the pandemic. Its goal is to foster “community designed for intention, healing and creation,” establishing healing spaces that center and celebrate people of color through conversation, wellness and more.
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