Each year, the World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes World Mental Health Day on October 10th to reignite impactful conversations and improve the mental health of those in need.
Mental Health America revealed that nearly 50 million Americans are currently experiencing mental illnesses, to include mental, behavioral, and emotional disorders. Almost 5% of that population has been reported to have suicidal thoughts.
Over the past decade, millennials have used the internet culture to spread mental health awareness through candid discussions about their experiences and solutions. Factors like the cost of living, career decisions, family demands, and social media have constantly added to the mental weight felt by those suffering through mental illnesses. And for the past three years, the pandemic has significantly contributed to the pressures felt from each.
For millions, each day feels like there is no silver lining or end in sight for their struggles. While there is no quick-fix, we still have the ability to spread mental health awareness in this digital era through actionable support and resources.
The 2022 theme for World Mental Health Day is to “make mental health and wellbeing for all a global priority”. To do our part, here’s a list of Black Women mental health professionals providing services, awareness, and resources to destigmatize and improve mental health.
Ciera Young, MS-CMHC
Recycled Energy and Beyond the White Couch™
“I’ve decided I no longer want to be a “therapist”, so I’m taking the conversation Beyond the White Couch™. They call me your Mental Health Homegirl because I make sure that you have an authentic, relatable, and very transparent experience when it comes to mental health.”
CIERA YOUNG, MS-CMHC
Kierrah Flipping, LCPC, LPC, NCC
“I see beyond your external success as a high-achieving woman. My approach is always honest, compassionate, and empowering in order to give you the tools and encouragement you need to find your own path.”
KIERRAH FLIPPING, LCPC, LPC, NCC
Sierra Hillsman, LPC
“As a licensed psychotherapist, I recognize that not everyone needs a session on “The Couch”. Sometimes we just need the skills to push the needle forward. Possibilities are limitless, so why can’t you be?”
SIERRA HILLSMAN, LPC
Dr. Natasha Goodman, LPC, CPCS
“Every therapy journey is different. As you have your own unique experiences, your therapy will be too. To eliminate the negativity behind mental health in Black communities, we must continue to talk about it.”
DR. NATASHA GOODMAN, LPC, CPCS
LeNaya Smith Crawford, LMFT, RPT, RYT
“As therapists we are here to serve the needs of our communities. In order for us to truly walk in the path with our clients, I feel it is imperative to know how to come from a trauma-informed lens. Not just philosophically, with your ideas in mind, but to have tangible tools to fully address trauma in the therapy room in real time.”
LENAYA SMITH CRAWFORD, LMFT, RPT, RYT
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