Austin Area African American Behavioral Health Network
One in four individuals will experience a mental health condition during his or her lifetime. Studies show that though African Americans develop mental health conditions at about the same rate as others they are much less likely to seek support and care. While about 40 percent of white Americans seek help when experiencing emotional distress, studies show that only about 25 to 30 percent of African Americans do so.
Following in the footsteps of the Central Texas African American Family Support Conference, the Austin Area African American Behavioral Health Network (4ABHN) was created in 2009 to further strengthen connections and networking opportunities for African Americans who are interested in behavioral health in the Austin area. Composed of behavioral health professionals, people with lived mental and behavioral health experience, youth and their families, faith leaders, and community members, the network identifies and brings together local, recovery-oriented supports.
In particular, the network exists to connect African Americans to services and supports that reflect a deep understanding of their unique challenges navigating a mental health system that was not built with their experience in mind.
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Missed the May meeting? Watch the full recording.
A presentation from Pastor Kyev Tatum: “Don’t Let Nothing Stop You: Fighting Fair for Health Justice and Change”
Pastor Kyev Tatum of the New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church in Fort Worth has spent years advocating for civil rights and health justice. His most recent “Pop-up Health Hubs” provide COVID-19 vaccines and testing in underserved communities.
Pastor Tatum uses his experience as a collegiate wide receiver and civil rights activist to lead change and demand equity. Hear about his creative and collaborative strategies to inspire you to do your part to make a difference.
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Become a Certified Peer Specialist
Receive specialized training to use your own recovery story to help others living with mental health and/or substance abuse challenges.
Central Texas African American Family Support Conference
Strengthen your network of support and learn about available behavioral health services.
Volunteering and Advocacy
The Hogg Foundation believes that people with lived experience of mental health conditions can reshape the mental health system in Texas through volunteerism and advocacy. Consumer-Operated Service Providers (COSPs) like the Austin Area Mental Health Consumers (AAMHC), the Self-Help and Advocacy Center (SHAC) and Austin Clubhouse are independent organizations run by and for individuals in recovery, and are another possibility for African Americans who are interested in joining their own recovery stories with a larger community service mission. We also recommend checking out volunteer opportunities with other mental health related organizations, such as Via Hope, NAMI Austin, Austin State Hospital, Depression and Bipolar Alliance, and Integral Care.
Internship and Supervision
The right internship experience can help aspiring mental health professionals deliver culturally competent care. To learn about internship opportunities or if you are in need of supervised licensure hours, attend the next 4ABHN event or contact Vicky Coffee. Offering an internship or supervision opportunity? Let us know!