Even if you couldn’t join us at the 2024 Can We Talk? Symposium at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center this past May, we want to bring you into the fold and share the incredible energy and insights from our recent gathering. The symposium was a vibrant celebration of community, understanding, and joy, marked by memorable events such as the Family Reunion Networking Mixer, enlightening panel discussions, and the nostalgic vibes at BoBo’s House Party. Embracing Authenticity and Connection This year’s theme, “Radical Attunement: Cultivating Safety, Belonging, and Dignity in Black Co ..read more

We are delighted to feature Michael Barnette in our special Provider Spotlight for June, which is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month. Michael recently partnered with us for our 2024 Can We Talk? Symposium, where he spoke passionately about the importance of self-care and seeking help as a therapist. As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Maryland, Michael’s journey into mental health began with a profound interest in psychology during his junior year in high school, particularly sparked by his abnormal psychology class. Growing up in Baltimore, MD, Michael’s exploration of family dy ..read more

Empowering Through Authenticity: Dr. Vivid’s Impact on Mental Health This Pride Month, we’re honored to feature Dr. Ashley Elliott, affectionately known as Dr. Vivid, whose dedication as both a member and advocate of the LGBTQ+ community enriches her therapeutic approach, creating a welcoming atmosphere for individuals seeking mental health support and honoring their diverse experiences. Born in Washington D.C. during the late 80s and 90s, Dr. Vivid experienced firsthand societal challenges like the crime wave, crack epidemic, and HIV/AIDS crisis. Raised by a teen mother after losing her fath ..read more

Depression is a mental health disorder affecting 5% of adults worldwide, significantly disrupting all aspects of life. It is most commonly seen in Western societies, where it is noted as the “single most common mental disorder in the United States” (WHO 2023, McLaughlin 2012). Some causes of depression include genetics, built environment, gender, and sex due to biological susceptibility (Mayor 2015, Lin 2021). If untreated, depression can exacerbate other noncommunicable diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension, leading to poor overall physical health (Mayor 2015). Unfortuna ..read more

Podcast Name: Speaking of Kids…[Apple Podcasts] [Spotify] [Website] Podcast Hosts: Bruce Lesley [Twitter] and Messellech “Selley” Looby [Twitter]  Organization Name: First Focus On Children [Website] [Twitter] [Instagram] [Facebook] Episode Title: Centering Cultural Competence within Black Child Mental Health with Taraji P. Henson and Tracie Jade Release Date: 5/22/2024 Episode Link:  https://firstfocus.org/henson_pod In this episode, co-host Messellech Looby chats with Academy Award-nominated actor Taraji P. Henson about the complexities and opportunities around supporting Black you ..read more

As Black people, our melanin is always poppin’ – we know how to wear a bright smile, “stay encouraged” and be of service to our family, community, and friends. Yet even as high-spirited and resilient people, we struggle to affirm our own self-worth, decompress from the stress of life, and embrace holistic support. Studies have shown that Black/Brown communities; out of all other ethnic groups, are the least likely to seek professional help for mental health concerns.  However, the Pandemic has changed this reality for the better. The fear of getting “shrunk by a Shrink” has in many instan ..read more

Dive into Janay’s Journey in Bridging Holistic Living and Mental Well-being, One Breath at a Time! We are excited to highlight Janay Jacobs, a dedicated Yoga and Wellness Practitioner, as our Practitioner of the Month for February. Hailing from Baltimore, MD, Janay is a trailblazer in merging wellness and science through her businesses, Yoga with Nay, LLC, and Shea Love Shea Butter. After earning her B.A. in Psychology at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, Janay embarked on a journey to explore holistic living, which led her to embrace yoga and mindfulness. Her passion for wellness, coupled with ..read more

Embracing Movement as Self-Care: Transformative Therapeutic Practices at Minds In Motion In our ongoing mission to celebrate outstanding contributions to mental health and wellness, we are delighted to spotlight Marcus Mason as our February Provider of the Month. As the CEO and Psychotherapist at Minds In Motion Therapeutic Services LLC, Marcus embodies a passion for breaking down barriers and promoting mental well-being, particularly within the Black community. His journey into counseling psychology is marked by a deep commitment to supporting others and challenging the stigma surrounding men ..read more

April is not just the time for budding flowers and warmer weather; it’s also National Poetry Month, celebrating the beauty and power of poetic expression. But poetry isn’t just about crafting verses—it’s a gateway to a world of healing and self-discovery. Let’s delve into the transformative realm of expressive arts therapy, where poetry is just one brushstroke in a colorful palette of healing modalities. Poetry: The Language of the Soul Poetry has a unique ability to distill complex emotions into a few poignant words. Whether you’re writing or reading poetry, it can be a cathartic experience ..read more

In our previous post, Breaking the Chains: Overcoming Historical Stigmas Surrounding Mental Health in the Black Community, we discussed the historical context behind the inequalities that exist for Black mental health. Highlights from the post discuss how racial disparities, underdiagnosis/misdiagnosis, and stigma surrounding mental health have prevented Black people from getting the care they need to truly experience equitable mental health care. This demonstrates how Black mental healthcare has been pushed to the back for generations. The push for mental wellness resources curated for the Bl ..read more