Business Details
Emergency
services
Empowering Black Mental Health Through Culturally-Competent Care
At Black Mental Health Alliance (BMHA), we have dedicated ourselves to addressing the unique mental health challenges faced by Black communities through culturally-relevant approaches. Founded to promote equitable mental health outcomes, our organization has consistently provided critical resources since 2015, including over 600 annual referrals to culturally-competent clinicians. Our team of experienced professionals brings decades of combined expertise in behavioral health, community education, and trauma-informed care, with a particular focus on addressing the psychological impacts of systemic racism and social determinants of health.We maintain strict adherence to professional standards through partnerships with accredited institutions and ongoing professional development programs, ensuring our practitioners remain at the forefront of culturally-responsive mental healthcare. Our commitment to excellence is demonstrated through measurable outcomes: annually training over 100 mental health professionals while creating safe spaces for community healing through evidence-based educational initiatives and community-driven programs.
Services
Mental Health Referrals
CEU Trainings
Community Events
Youth Programs
Cultural Competency Workshops
School-Based Services
Tobacco Prevention
HIV/AIDS Support
Parenting Initiatives
Healing Workshops
Highlights and features
- Our organization provides over 600 mental health referrals annually through our national network
- We offer discounted CEUs focused on culturally-relevant clinical practices
- Our trauma-informed programs specifically address systemic racism's mental health impacts
- We connect clients with culturally-competent therapists nationwide
- Our crisis line operates 24/7 with trained mental health professionals
Services
Mental Health Referrals
We connect individuals seeking mental health support with culturally-competent clinicians through our extensive database. Our referral service ensures confidentiality and timely access to care. This program has facilitated over 600 connections annually, addressing diverse behavioral health needs within the Black community.
CEU Trainings
Our training division offers discounted Continuing Education Units for mental health professionals. Clinicians gain expertise in culturally-relevant practices through seminars led by subject matter experts. Annually, over 100 professionals enhance their skills, ensuring quality care delivery to Black clients.
Community Events
Monthly workshops and national summits educate on mental health resilience, trauma, and healing practices. These events empower participants with tools to address racial discrimination impacts and structural racism. Past initiatives included tobacco prevention campaigns and family support programs.
Youth Programs
We implement school-based mental health services, after-school programs, and tobacco enforcement initiatives for youth. Our projects engage students in prevention activities while addressing social determinants of health. Partnerships with local schools enhance program reach and effectiveness.
Culturally Competent Care
Our initiatives focus on equipping mental health professionals with culturally-relevant approaches. Training modules cover historical trauma, mental health stigma, and social determinants. This ensures practitioners provide patient-centered care that addresses the unique needs of Black clients.
People
Jessica D. Ellis
Director of Operations & Interim Executive Director
With 20 years in human services, Jessica specializes in HIV prevention programs and grant management. Holds a degree in Digital Communications and Marketing while pursuing her master's in Nonprofit Management.
Jennifer Ransaw Smith
Founder of The Personal Elevation Lab
Offers expertise in eliminating self-defeating behaviors through mindfulness and personal development frameworks based on her extensive experience with mental health workshops.
Dr. Larry Walker
Discussion Leader
Facilitates sessions on racism's psychological impacts and provides evidence-based strategies for mental health resilience among marginalized communities through collaborative programming.
Bettye L. Blaze
Co-Author and Facilitator
Shares personal experiences with incarceration and reentry systems, offering insights on building support networks for affected families through educational workshops and community engagement.
Terrence White
Co-Author and Facilitator
Provides firsthand perspective on navigating the justice system and reentry challenges, contributing to family support programs through collaborative workshops and community outreach initiatives.
Questions
How can I find a culturally-competent therapist through BMHA?
Visit our website to complete a referral request form connecting you with licensed clinicians in our national database.
Do you offer continuing education credits for mental health professionals?
Yes, our training division provides discounted CEUs through seminars on culturally-relevant mental health practices.
What geographic areas do your services cover?
Our referral network operates nationwide, with primary service areas in Baltimore and Maryland communities.
Are your mental health resources available 24/7?
Our crisis line (988) connects you with trained professionals 24 hours daily for immediate support.
What youth programs does BMHA offer?
We provide school-based mental health services, after-school programs, tobacco prevention initiatives, and family support projects.
