Black Mental Health Supports

This resource was originally curated by the Girls’ Night In team in June 2020. It is intended to help members of the Black community find resources for mental health support, including those experiencing violence-based trauma.

It’s important to note that this list was created is a non-exhaustive list and was created in the US, students might be out of the jurisdiction of some licensed/regulated supports. Student Health and Wellness is working to add Canadian resources and will continue to update the list. This is simply a place to start, if you have anything you would like to add to the list, please email activities.shcc@lakeheadu.ca. 

Therapy Resources

Organizations helping Black people find mental health support through therapy. Some organizations are also accepting donations if you wish to support financially.  

  • Join the BFT Initiative to provide free therapy for those in need. From the organization: The funds will be used for individuals dealing with any emotions (stress, anxiety, worry, depression, anger, hurt, grief, etc.) that they want to discuss. With the funding, we will connect those in need with a black female therapist for free therapy services. This support is greatly needed in our society with all that has been occurring in 2020. Help us give those in need a safe space to talk.
  • Free therapist-moderated support groups for the Black community - by Monument - the first is taking place on June 9th at 6:30pm ET. More info here.
  • @therapyforblackgirls: Mental Health Resources for Black Womxn
    • The Therapy for Black Girls Podcast is a weekly chat about all things mental health, personal development, and all the small decisions we can make to become the best possible versions of ourselves.
  • Real x Unplug Collective: Free Group Therapy for Young Black Womxn + Gender-Expansive People
    • From their Instagram: "These therapy sessions are specifically tailored for Black women and Black gender-expansive people. It’s not only that this space is centered around us, it’s FOR us." Follow them for more information.
    • Sign up for a session on their website once or on an ongoing weekly basis.
  • And check out Real: a company based in New York, offering free online group therapy sessions to anybody in the US. They have weekly sessions for black womxn, young black womxn, people of color, and allies
  • The Loveland Foundation Therapy Fund
  • Naseeha provides a confidential helpline, providing immediate, anonymous, and confidential support over the phone from 12 – 9 pm, 7 days a week
  • The Black Youth Helpline is a Canadian not-for-profit organization that was established in 1992 to specifically respond to the needs of Black youth nationwide.

Self-Care and Coping

Resources to aid coping and self-care

  • They also shared a Community Healing Doc with mental health resources, self-care, accounts to follow, and virtual events to support Black mental health
  • To donate: “If you would like to donate to BGWG on behalf of all this bull we already got to deal with cashapp $jjjeffer PayPal: services@blackgirlwithgardens.com it’s needed”
  • Alex Elle’s most recent writing practice freebies to help guide reflection
  • NAMI’s full list on African American Mental Health Resources
  • “The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health” by Rheeda Walker, PhD — a recommendation from @mahoganybooks, a Black-owned bookstore in Washington, D.C. “My people, we need to take moments to breathe because we are not all ok. Allies: this book is for you too.”

Meditation Resources, Workshops, and Classes

Sessions tailored to Black mental health struggles and collective trauma