13 Mental Health Resources For Black Moms

In order to increase the accessibility of therapy for Black women, Loveland Therapy Fund provides financial assistance to help make mental health more affordable. The fund partners with organizations like Therapy For Black Girls, National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network, Talkspace, and Open Path Collective to help Black women find therapists who are the best fit for their needs.

"Loveland Therapy Fund is an essential organization," Kerri-Anne Brown, a reproductive and maternal mental health expert with Healing with Wisdom, LLC tells Romper. "Many moms do not have the financial means to access therapy, and this organization not only acknowledges this barrier but affords Black women the opportunity to receive counseling."

The Therapy For Black Girls organization aims to de-stigmatize the topic of mental health in the Black community by presenting it in an accessible way.

"Therapy for Black Girls is the premier national therapist directory to locate African American therapists," Shivonne Odom, a perinatal mental health therapist that specializes in Black maternal mental health counseling at Akoma Counseling Concepts, LLC tells Romper. "Therapy for Black Girls also has an informational podcast and historically has had a partnership with the Loveland Therapy Fund to provide free therapy sessions. These resources have significantly helped the African American community locate and secure culturally competent therapists."

The Perinatal Mental Health Alliance for People of Color (PMHAPOC) is a national program within Postpartum Support International (PSI), an organization that provides trainings, conferences, and online support groups across the country for moms suffering from PMADs.

PMHAPOC is composed of maternal mental health therapists of color who specialize in counseling mothers across the country, Odom says.

The Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective offers educational resources and support to Black individuals seeking mental health treatment, including journaling prompts and activity guides, and links that provide direct access to mobile crisis units throughout the United States.

Specifically designed to reach marginalized and intersectional communities, Ayana — which hasn't launched yet, and doesn't have an official date — offers online therapy that matches users with licensed mental health professionals who share their personal backgrounds. "Black mothers face unique mental health struggles such as postpartum depression, and are oftentimes neglected by the health care system. Too many times have we witnessed examples of black women whose voices were not heard," Sandy Ahumada, a member of the Ayana team, tells Romper.

A current crowdfunding campaign for Ayana offers one month of free therapy for one month of therapy purchased. "Through Ayana Therapy, Black mothers will have the opportunity of being seen and understood," Ahumada says. "Through our services, you can be matched and speak with a therapist such as Jenny Delacruz, who not only specializes in postpartum depression, but also understands their intersectional identities such as those of being a Black mother."

The resource has been cited by Self, Essence, and was named by Fast Company as one of the world's 10 most innovative wellness companies in 2020.

"The best indicator of a child's wellbeing is a parent's wellbeing, thus parental stress like trauma or depression has a negative impact on parenting," Coor says.

Coor is just one of the therapists moms can connect with on the Zencare network of Black therapists, where moms can seek mental health services from a provider who can relate to their specific needs.

For Black moms who not only want to seek support from a therapist, but are looking for resources that they can use at home to better understand their mental health needs, Melanin and Mental Health is another organization recommended by Odom. Created by therapists of color, it has both a directory and podcasts to help people find their own therapist.

Fertility For Colored Girls is a recommended resource to help Black women cope with stress from trying to conceive.

"I refer mom clients here who need additional emotional support via support groups and funding to help expand their families," Odom says. "FFCG seeks to provide education, awareness, support and encouragement to African American women, couples, and other women of color experiencing infertility and seeking to build the families of their dreams."

Odom recommends Mocha Moms, Inc. as a national organization with local chapters that allow moms of color to meet in person, discuss issues in virtual events, and find local support.

"The United States is simply not a safe place to be black," Cheli English-Figaro, Esq., co-founder and President Emerita of the organization said in a press release. “I am Black, I have three Black children, and a Black husband. There is not one day that I am not acutely aware that the color of our skin puts a target on each of our backs.” The group has also called on law enforcement leaders to make policy changes.

When Black moms want to find a therapist who can truly relate to their specific needs and stressors, a therapist directory like the one at Therapy Den may be a great source of support.

"This is an inclusive directory of therapists," Brown says. "You can find someone that matches with your specific needs — maternal mental health for example — and that includes a therapist who addresses cultural and systemic oppression or treats stress caused by the political climate."

Brown says the social wellness and support network Mindful and Melanated is a great resource for Black women to tailor their search for a therapist specializing in their exact concern and stage.

For Black moms who have experienced a traumatic birth, Brown recommends the Birth Trauma and Support Center. "You can find a provider that has received birth trauma training, is culturally competent, and informed."

"It's great for moms to have a support group, access to material resources, and a playdate group if they have young children," Whitni F. Toson, a Black therapist who specializes in maternal mental health tells Romper. "I personally have been in several playdate groups and found that I am more comfortable in a group where I can discuss current events or concerns for my black son with mothers who can relate."

Toson recommends this list of support groups on Brown Mamas for moms who want to join a specific network of like-minded moms to discuss their mental health.

Experts:

Kerri-Anne Brown, LMHC a reproductive and maternal mental health expert with Healing with Wisdom, LLC

Nanika Coor, Psy.D., clinical psychologist and respectful parenting expert at Brooklyn Parent Therapy

Shivonne Odom, LCPC, LPC, perinatal mental health therapist that specializes in Black Maternal Mental Health counseling at Akoma Counseling Concepts, LLC

Whitni F. Toson, MA, LPC