May Is Mental Health Awareness Month + DMV-based, Black Mental Health Providers

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May Is Mental Health Awareness Month + DMV-based, Black Mental Health Providers

May is Mental Awareness Month. Psychology Today reports that, “Approximately one in five adults in the United States, 43.8 million, or 18.5%, experiences a mental illness in a given year and approximately one in five youth aged 13–18 (21.4%) experiences a severe mental health disorder at some point during their lifetime.” Within the African American community, there are longstanding stigmas surrounding mental health, and research has found that many African Americans rely on faith, family and social communities for emotional support rather than turning to health care professionals, even though medical or therapeutic treatment may be necessary, according to the National Alliance of Mental Illness. Mental illness doesn’t discriminate. The Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health reports that are African Americans 10% more likely to experience serious psychological distress.

In recent years, mental health conversations have been taking place openly and more frequently. Depression, for the most part, is no longer a taboo topic; we’re transparent about our struggles with depression and the benefits of therapy. Awhile back, we created an Instagram post asking for recommendations for Black therapists. We received an overwhelming response. We took that post and created a comprehensive list of local practitioners.

Below is a list of DC, MD, VA based therapists and psychologists addressing a variety of topics from mood disorders and relationship struggles, to postpartum and children. This list is ongoing; please continue sharing your suggestions and we’ll add them.

This month, especially in light of our current COVID circumstances, please prioritize your mental well-being. If you need to talk to someone, check out the list below, or shoot us an email or DM and we’ll support in anyway we can.

Washington, DC:

Dr. Shareefa Your Neighborhood Psychologist (Vermont Ave)

Dr. Valeka Moore

Dreamwell

Family Psychological Services of Capitol Hill PLLC

Jihan Madyun LICSW, RYT, TCYMT , The Fulfillment Project (NW)

Kristin Winchester , Her Therapy Space