10 Black Mental Health Advocates, Therapists & Orgs You Should Know
Black Mental Health Matters—But It’s Often Overlooked
Mental health care in the U.S. hasn’t always been safe or accessible for Black Americans.
Systemic racism in medicine? Still a thing.
Lack of Black therapists? Huge gap.
Stigma in Black communities? Deeply rooted.
It’s not because Black folks don’t struggle with mental health (they do). It’s not because they don’t seek help (they want to). It’s because the system wasn’t built for them—and many are still fighting for care that actually feels safe and affirming.
Let’s celebrate the people and organizations actively changing the mental health space for Black communities.
If you’re looking for resources, leaders to follow, and places to support, here are 10 Black mental health advocates, therapists, and organizations you should absolutely know.
1. Dr. Joy Harden Bradford (@hellodrjoy) – Founder of Therapy for Black Girls
Dr. Joy Harden Bradford is a licensed psychologist and cultural powerhouse. She created Therapy for Black Girls, an online community, directory, and podcast dedicated to helping Black women and girls access therapy and mental wellness resources.
Why You Should Follow Her:
Her content is smart, accessible, and deeply validating.
She covers mental health, relationships, and personal growth from a Black feminist lens.
Her Therapy for Black Girls podcast? Absolute must-listen.
Find her at: www.therapyforblackgirls.com
2. Dr. Thema Bryant (@dr.thema) – President of the American Psychological Association
Dr. Thema Bryant is not just a brilliant psychologist—she’s also an ordained minister, trauma expert, and poet. (Yes, she does it all.)
Why You Should Follow Her:
She speaks on healing from racial trauma, self-worth, and setting boundaries.
Her work bridges faith, psychology, and social justice.
She’s the President of the APA, advocating for real systemic change.
Find her at: www.drthema.com
3. The Nap Ministry (@thenapministry) – Rest as Resistance
If you’ve ever felt burnt out, overworked, and emotionally exhausted, The Nap Ministry is the reminder you need: REST IS REVOLUTIONARY.
Founded by Tricia Hersey, The Nap Ministry challenges grind culture and white supremacy’s obsession with productivity by reframing rest as a form of resistance and healing.
Why You Should Follow Them:
They expose how capitalism & racism fuel burnout in Black communities.
Their messages are simple, bold, and life-changing.
They encourage rest without guilt.
Find them at: www.thenapministry.com
4. Ethel's Club (@ethelsclub) – A Black-Owned Healing Space
Ethel’s Club is a digital community for Black healing and joy. They offer wellness workshops, therapist-led sessions, and live events designed for Black folks to prioritize mental health and collective care.
Why You Should Support Them:
They create safe spaces for healing, joy, and self-care.
They focus on community-based mental wellness.
Their content is uplifting, inclusive, and deeply needed.
Find them at: www.ethelsclub.com
5. Dr. Mariel Buqué (@dr.marielbuque) – Healing Generational Trauma
Dr. Mariel Buqué is a psychologist and intergenerational trauma expert who teaches Black and Brown communities how to heal from cycles of trauma passed down through generations.
Why You Should Follow Her:
She explains how racial trauma is stored in the body.
She offers practical tools for breaking unhealthy family patterns.
Her content is scientifically grounded but easy to understand.
Find her at: www.drmarielbuque.com
6. The Loveland Foundation (@thelovelandfoundation) – Therapy for Black Women & Girls
The Loveland Foundation, founded by Rachel Cargle, provides free therapy sessions to Black women and girls who otherwise wouldn’t have access.
Why You Should Support Them:
They directly fund mental health care for those who need it most.
They’re bridging the financial gap in therapy access.
Donations go straight to covering therapy costs.
Find them at: www.thelovelandfoundation.org
7. Black Men Heal (@blackmenheal) – Therapy Access for Black Men
Black men often face even higher barriers to mental health care due to stigma, finances, and lack of Black male therapists. Black Men Heal offers free therapy sessions and mentorship to break that cycle.
Why You Should Support Them:
They provide free, culturally competent therapy.
They focus on Black men’s mental health—often overlooked in this space.
They offer a safe, supportive community.
Find them at: www.blackmenheal.org
8. Dr. Ebony Butler (@drebonyonline) – Creator of My Therapy Cards
Dr. Ebony Butler is a psychologist specializing in trauma, nutrition, and self-worth. She created My Therapy Cards, a self-help tool specifically designed for Black women and women of color to work through mental health struggles outside of therapy.
Why You Should Follow Her:
She tackles food relationships, body image, and trauma with a no-BS approach.
Her therapy cards help people process emotions on their own terms.
She keeps it real, raw, and relatable.
Find her at: www.myttherapycards.com
9. Therapy for Black Men (@therapyforblackmen) – A Directory & Support Network
Similar to Therapy for Black Girls, this online directory connects Black men to culturally competent therapists.
Why You Should Support Them:
They provide a free, accessible therapist directory.
They focus on removing stigma and normalizing therapy for Black men.
They offer mental health content tailored specifically for Black masculinity.
Find them at: www.therapyforblackmen.org
10. BEAM (@beamorg) – Black Emotional & Mental Health Collective
BEAM is a nonprofit training Black communities to be mental health advocates. They run peer support programs, education initiatives, and direct healing services to increase Black mental health literacy and access.
Why You Should Support Them:
They train people to be mental health first responders.
They work to destigmatize therapy and mental health care.
They’re actively creating systems of care outside traditional healthcare models.
Find them at: www.beam.community
Final Thoughts: Support, Follow, Amplify
Mental health care should be accessible, safe, and affirming for Black communities. The people and organizations on this list are actively making that happen.
If you’re wondering what you can do right now, here’s the move:
✔ Follow them.
✔ Share their work.
✔ Donate if you can.
✔ Make sure Black mental health stays in the conversation—always.
Because mental health is for everyone. And Black mental health matters.