Mental health is a prominent topic of discussion in today’s era. However, in the Black community, the conversation may still be taboo. What is preventing more Black people from seeking mental help? This episode of Clarified examines some of the barriers to receiving mental health care and what some communities are doing to overcome them.Toy Burton of Massachusetts suffered a tragedy as a teen when her older sister, Denita “DeeDee” Morris, committed suicide. Burton then struggled with mental health and turned to drugs and alcohol to cope. On her journey to recovery, Burton tried to help a friend find support resources, but she could not find support resources geared toward Black people. In return, Burton created DeeDee’s Cry, A Boston area organization dedicated to raising awareness and offering peer support and resources.Only 4.7% of psychologists identify as Black, which may make it difficult to find a Black therapist. Black therapists see the need to meet people where they are by creating a comforting environment and providing the resources patients need to heal. Tarsha Wiggins, a licensed clinical social worker in Milwaukee created Trap Therapy. Trap Therapy embraces culture by creating group counseling sessions that are heavily inspired by rap music.In this episode of Clarified, we are unpacking the stigma, discussing mental health tips and learning how communities are doing their part to make the conversation easier for Black people and seeking help is okay.If you or someone you know is struggling to find a therapist of color, here are some resources to aid your search:Therapy for Black Girls Therapist DirectoryHurdle- Where culture is honored, not ignoredIf you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline phone number is 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and it’s available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Mental health is a prominent topic of discussion in today’s era. However, in the Black community, the conversation may still be taboo. What is preventing more Black people from seeking mental help? This episode of Clarified examines some of the barriers to receiving mental health care and what some communities are doing to overcome them.
Toy Burton of Massachusetts suffered a tragedy as a teen when her older sister, Denita “DeeDee” Morris, committed suicide. Burton then struggled with mental health and turned to drugs and alcohol to cope.
On her journey to recovery, Burton tried to help a friend find support resources, but she could not find support resources geared toward Black people. In return, Burton created DeeDee’s Cry, A Boston area organization dedicated to raising awareness and offering peer support and resources.
Only 4.7% of psychologists identify as Black, which may make it difficult to find a Black therapist. Black therapists see the need to meet people where they are by creating a comforting environment and providing the resources patients need to heal. Tarsha Wiggins, a licensed clinical social worker in Milwaukee created Trap Therapy. Trap Therapy embraces culture by creating group counseling sessions that are heavily inspired by rap music.
In this episode of Clarified, we are unpacking the stigma, discussing mental health tips and learning how communities are doing their part to make the conversation easier for Black people and seeking help is okay.
If you or someone you know is struggling to find a therapist of color, here are some resources to aid your search:
Therapy for Black Girls Therapist Directory
Hurdle- Where culture is honored, not ignored
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline phone number is 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and it’s available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
https://www.wcvb.com/article/clarified-mental-health-in-the-black-community/39827678
