From Online Communities To Care Directories

The experience of being Black in the United States varies from person to person, but there are cultural factors that lead to similar mental health concerns and a need for support throughout the Black community.

The Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, for example, has found that Black adults experience feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and distress at higher rates. Not only does ancestral trauma exist for Black families due to historical displacement, segregation, violence, and injustice, but there are also the far-reaching impacts of systemic racism and inequality that continue today. 

Black women also experience their own unique prejudices when tasked with the “strong Black woman” stereotype—which can be harmful to their sense of self and well-being. Black women don’t need to be strong all the time, especially in an unjust society that isn’t always supportive of them. Self-care is necessary for their overall wellness and mental health. 

As a Black woman, it’s been traumatizing to see stories and videos of Black death and violence plastered across the internet and social media. At times, I’ve felt angry and sad. Other times, my overwhelming feelings have left me feeling numb. I thankfully grew up in a household with a Black mother who specialized in child psychology, so I learned to prioritize my well-being and the importance of Black women having mental healthcare. I know that that isn’t the same case for everyone, but all Black women deserve access to culturally sensitive mental healthcare and resources without stigma. 

Here are some mental health resources for Black women to check out and bookmark. 

Instagram Accounts To Follow


Black Girl In Om

Founded by Lauren Ash, this platform aims to create space for Black women to reconnect with themselves, feel seen, build community, and find inner wellness and peace. Ash recently launched The Circle initiative with journal exercises and practices to cultivate a wellness routine. She also hosts an incredible podcast!

Therapy For Black Girls

This online space encourages the mental wellness of Black women and girls, and the website contains resources for finding Black and culturally knowledgeable mental health professionals. Tune in weekly for podcast episodes with founder Dr. Joy Harden Bradford.

Black Mental Health Matters

While scrolling the feed of this Instagram account, you’ll find positive affirmations and encouragements. It shares and reposts content that advocates for the importance of Black mental health, including resources to practice mindfulness at home.

The Nap Ministry

We need rest in order to live fully and thrive. This platform focuses on the healing properties of rest, relaxation, and naps—and their essentialness to Black mental well-being. 

Care Directories


Association of Black Psychologists Directory

This resource includes the information of psychologists who are members of the Association of Black Psychologists across the U.S.

Inclusive Therapists

To help match BIPOC with culturally supportive mental health professionals, this BIPOC directory provides a “therapists near you” search option and highlights providers who offer tele-healthcare.

LGBTQ Psychotherapists of Color Directory

This resource matches individuals with an LGBTQ+ psychotherapist of color in Northern California and also includes a database of virtual service offerings.

National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network

National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network (NQTTCN) is a healing justice organization committed to transforming mental health for queer and trans people of color (QTPoC).

Psychology Today Directory of African American Therapists

To help users find Black therapists in different locations around the U.S., Psychology Today offers a specified search engine.

Additional Resources


The Black Mental Health Alliance

BHMA strives to develop, promote, and sponsor trusted and culturally relevant educational forms, trainings, and referral services that support the health and well-being of Black people and other vulnerable communities.

Black Women’s Health Imperative 

The Black Women’s Health Imperative is the first nonprofit organization created by Black women to help protect and advance the health and wellness of Black women and girls.

Melanin & Mental Health

Melanin & Mental Health strives to connect individuals with culturally competent clinicians who are committed to serving the mental health needs of Black & Latinx/Hispanic communities. The founders are dedicated to promoting the growth and healing of BIPOC communities through their website, online directory, and monthly events.

If you’ve found healing through another resource, please share in the comments below!

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Leah Thomas is an intersectional environmental activist and eco-communicator. She launched the intersectional environmentalist platform to explore the relationship between environmentalism and cultural identity. You can connect with her on Instagram.