PENNSYLVANIA: Free Therapy Program for Black Men Ramps Up Amid Pandemic-Era Stressors

WHYY

A Philadelphia nonprofit is providing free therapy to Black men. Initially a campaign to reduce mental health stigma, the program has expanded to help address the pandemic’s disproportionate impact on the Black community. Staffed by licensed counselors and social workers, Black Men Heal offers eight free therapy sessions and then encourages participants to sign up as clients. The program also offers a virtual peer support series to help change “masculinity norms” and “the fear of being vulnerable,” according to founder Tasnim Sulaiman. “They essentially become mental health advocates themselves,” said Sulaiman of participants. “So, this concept of just knowing that you’re not going through anything alone.”

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