Mental Health Resources for Black and African Americans

The month of February is recognized as Black History Month. This month is dedicated to raising awareness and celebrating the many achievements by African Americans. It is a month where we can all reflect on their central role in U.S. history. Every year there is a theme throughout Black History Month. For 2022 the theme is “Black Health and Wellness”. An important part of wellness is individual’s mental health. Unfortunately, we know that Black adults are more likely than white adults to report persistent symptoms of emotional distress. Black individuals face things like racism, discrimination, and inequity which can all negatively affect an individual’s mental health. For Black adults who need mental health help only one in three actually receive that help. They might not receive help because they might not have access to the help they need, or they might experience shame due to the stigma of mental health. Even though there are certain barriers for Black individuals to receive help there are numerous resources which are incredibly helpful for the Black community.

We wanted to provide a list of mental health resources which are available for Black and African Americans:

• Black Emotional and Mental Health (BEAM): BEAM’s mission is to remove the barriers that Black people experience getting access to or staying connected with emotional health care and healing through education, training, advocacy, and the creative arts. For more information and resources go to: https://beam.community/.
• Black Mental Health Alliance: This website provides information and resources. There is also the option to “Find a Therapist”. For more information go to: https://blackmentalhealth.com/about-us/.
• The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation: Their mission is to provide support and bring awareness to mental health issues that plague our community. Their vision is to eradicate the stigma around mental health issues in the African American community. The have a resource guide which is a directory of mental health providers and programs which serve the Black community. For more information go to: https://borislhensonfoundation.org/.
• Therapy for Black Girls: This is an online space which encourages the mental wellness of Black women and girls. There is a therapist directory where individuals can look for a therapist. They also have a podcast which discusses different mental health topics. Their website is: https://therapyforblackgirls.com/.
• Therapy for Black Men: Like Therapy for Black Girls, Therapy for Black Men is an online space which encourages mental wellness for Black men. They have a therapist directory within their website: https://therapyforblackmen.org/.

If you are struggling, please know that you are never alone. There are resources which are available to get the help you need. Never hesitate to reach out! The resources listed above are great resources, but you can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1.800.273.8255 or text the Crisis Text Line at 741.741.

Sources:
https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/black-history-month
https://mhanational.org/black-history-month
https://nami.org/Your-Journey/Identity-and-Cultural-Dimensions/Black-African-American

Katie Zimmerman, Project Coordinator for The Kim Foundation

Katie Zimmerman joined The Kim Foundation in June 2019. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Studies and Sociology from Central College in Pella, Iowa. During her time in college, she volunteered at many non-profit organizations and took multiple sociology classes which focused on mental health. Katie’s role at The Kim Foundation includes running the social media accounts, assisting in the Youth Advisory Council, and providing mental health awareness and education to the community through A Voice for Hope and Healing presentations.