By Alexa Spencer | Word In Black
(WIB) – Social media has made it easier than ever to access mental health education. In a matter of seconds, a quick search for “ways to manage anxiety” or “how to set boundaries” on Instagram or TikTok lands users face-to-face with licensed therapists. With a new platform on the scene — Meta’s Threads — now may be a good time to spruce up your feed.
Here are five Black therapists and mental health organizations to consider following:
1. @MikeyDyson
Michael Dyson is a psychotherapist and career counselor who helps job seekers transition into new workplaces with confidence and self-awareness. Through his company, DYSN Career Counseling, he provides virtual classes and one-on-one counseling. He also serves clients in Charlotte, North Carolina, as a provider with Good Stress Company. Check out Dyson’s page for notes on eliminating distraction, prioritizing happiness, and more.
Quote: “Why settle for being resilient when you have the ability to thrive?”
2. @NedraTawwab
Nedra Glover Tawwab is hailed across the digital world as a boundary-setting expert. As a licensed therapist, the Charlotte-based plant mom often posts about coping with broken relationships and prioritizing self-worth. She’s the bestselling author of “Set Boundaries, Find Peace” and the recently released “Drama Free: A Guide to Managing Unhealthy Family Relationships.”
Quote: “No one talks about how exhausting it is to pretend to be okay.”
3. @KierGaines
A video of Kier Gaines carrying his daughter while walking outdoors went viral in 2019. It wasn’t the music or special effects that resonated with over four million viewers; it was what he told the young men about fatherhood: “Start healing, because if you don’t heal from [your past], you’ll have all of this and never be happy. And I don’t want that for nobody.”
Gaines shares mental health tips through the lens of a therapist, father, and husband who recovered from a challenging upbringing.
Quote: “A failure is what occurred. It is not what you are.”
4. @BLHensonFoundation
The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation is celebrating five years as a “pioneering Black mental health advocacy group.” Founded by award-winning actress, author, and haircare entrepreneur Taraji P. Henson, the non-profit offers free therapy for Black folks and scholarships for aspiring Black clinicians. Give the foundation a follow to learn more about its most recent project — installing self-care wellness pods in places where Black people gather.
Quote: “Let’s start the conversation about mental health with our youth today, so our children can grow with resilience and mental well-being tomorrow.”
5. @TheLovelandFoundation
The Loveland Foundation is committed to increasing access to mental healthcare for Black folks, with a focus on women and girls. The organization provides therapy vouchers for four to 12 sessions at no cost. What started as a birthday fundraiser in 2018 by its founder, Rachel Cargle, is now a national resource equipped with fellowships, residency programs, listening tours, and a podcast.
Quote: “Black girls and women deserve access to healing, and that healing will impact generations.”