13 Mental Health Resources for Black Parents

In recent years the national conversation about mental health has begun to shake some of the stigma that shrouded it for so long. With that, mental health support has become more expansive (especially as great virtual options have cropped up). But for too many Black Americans, there are still barriers in place that make attaining quality mental health care more difficult than it should be. And, Black moms and dads need these services. Black Americans face racism, discrimination, and economic disparities that make the need for quality and affordable mental health services even more urgent. In fact, according to one report, Black people are more likely to report persistent sadness, emotional distress, and hopelessness than their white peers.

No one should have to suffer. Whether you’re looking for the right therapist for yourself or your child, financial support to put that therapy within reach, or other mental health resources, we hope this list can make getting help a little easier.

Melanin & Mental Health

Therapy is not one-size-fits-all, which is why the founders of Melanin and Mental Health decided to create a resource of culturally competent clinicians specifically for Black and Latinx people. Their site connects individuals with therapists, events, and free resources on quality mental health. 

BEAM Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective

BEAM has a collective of experts—yoga instructors, advocates, teachers, psychologists, religious leaders, and more—who work together to offer Black communities better access to services that target specific mental health needs. Of particular interest, they’re also starting a network of virtual Black therapists.

Association of Black Psychologists

If you’re looking for a local Black Mental Health professional, access this simple database to find professionals listed by state. If your state doesn’t list any Black psychologists, that doesn’t necessarily mean that there are none! It may just be that there aren't any who have registered with this particular association yet.

Sista Afya Community Care

Sista Afya's primary intention is to bring quality mental health to Black women. The group works to create and sustain mental health wellness through community outreach programs that include individual and group therapy, community and holistic healing events, and much more.

Black Men Heal

Services include individual psychotherapy, weekly virtual meetup groups, diversity, equity and inclusion training to groups and companies, and speaking engagements that each aim to heal and empower. Black Men Heal works with men across all financial situations to ensure that an individual can access therapy.  

Ourselves Black

Ourselves Black is both a digital and print magazine rooted in the storytelling experience of Black and brown people. With powerful images and stories, the group shares what mental health struggles look like for people of color. Ourselves Black also offers a robust list of resources, including a providers directory, a mental illness library, and a specific section for parents.  

POC Online Classroom

POC Online Classroom is a stripped-down site that includes lists of lessons on self-care, mental health, and healing for people of color and those within activist movements. Among the reading list, you'll find an extensive list of resources on organizing, mutual aid, and self-care. 

Black Female Therapists

As you might expect from the name, here you can access a directory to Black female therapists (or Black male therapists). Also check out their Instagram for bite-sized mental health and their podcast.

The Loveland Foundation  

Spearheaded by activist Rachel Cargle, this organization provides financial assistance to Black women and Black non-binary individual seeking therapy. Apply for support here!

Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation

Founded by actress Taraji P. Henson in honor of her late father who wrestled with mental health issues following his tour of duty in Vietnam, this foundation aims to help other Black Americans access the mental health resources they need. The foundation offers a "Let's Talk" guide for finding a culturally competent therapist near you. Plus, BLHF funds scholarships for Black students pursuing mental health careers, as well as mental health programs in schools, prisons, and more.

Therapy for Black Girls 

Therapy for Black Girls allows users to search for nearby providers, plus they offers a host of other resources—including a podcast and a members-only virtual community—designed to help Black women and girls thrive. 

Zencare

Zencare is a network of vetted Black and African-American therapists peppered throughout D.C. and eight cities, including New York, Los Angeles, and Boston. Here, you can search for providers near you, view introductory videos, and book a free call with your would-be therapist to ensure you've found a great match before you start therapy.

Inclusive Therapists

This easy-to-search database helps people find therapists who celebrate their identity, so you can find the perfect professional for your needs. Filter by type of service, location, and more. 

Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider.