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.
Subscribe to receive 4ABHN emails or contact Vicky Coffee for more information.
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.
News and Opportunities
Events and trainings, jobs and internships, and funding opportunities related to the mental health and well-being of African Americans in the Austin area.
Honoring a Mental Health Pioneer
For Black History Month, we feature an archival interview with Dr. Melvin Sikes, founder of UT Austin’s Center for Improvement of Intergroup Relations.
Data Justice for Mental Health: A Q&A with Taylor Payne, postdoctoral fellow
In July of 2023, the Hogg Foundation hired Taylor Payne as its newest postdoctoral fellow. In this Q&A we talk with Taylor about her role and her goals for the future.
The Loneliness Epidemic
Nearly three in five U.S. adults describe themselves as being lonely. People from underrepresented racial groups, those with lower incomes, and young people are even more vulnerable to feeling a lack of social connection. Download Transcript Joining us today is Jacki...
Co-Signer Spotlight: People’s Community Clinic
People’s Community Clinic is a full-service, federally qualified health center in Austin with a mission to improve the health of medically underserved and uninsured Central Texans, People’s provides high quality, affordable healthcare with dignity and respect.
Diversity Awareness and Wellness in Action
Hogg Foundation for Mental Health· Episode 151: Diversity, Awareness and Wellness in Action Building community is a powerful way to support mental health. That’s why the Hogg Foundation’s mission is to transform how communities promote mental health in everyday life....
Effects of Racism on Overall Health
Dr. Octavio Martinez, Hogg executive director, writes about the unique struggles that plague minoritized communities.
| Contact Name/Organization | Contact Email | Contact Number | Scope of Work | Population(s) Served |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chaplain Martin | harris.martin4@gmail.com | 512-619-6950 | Spiritual and emotional support | Adults, Family |
| Phoenix House of Texas | hhafizullah@phoenixhousetx.org | 512-962-8399 | We are a non-profit substance abuse treatment center with in-patient adolescent and outpatient adult and adolescent serv | Children, Adults, Family, Psychiatry, Peer Support |
| The Hope Project | thehopeproject@sbcglobal.net | 512-589-9021 | I am a LPC with specialty working with youth 10 and older, and adults. My specialty is anxiety, depression, SFT, Couples | Children, Adults |
| Tiffany E. Gillis MA, B.S. | tgillis81@yahoo.com | 281-787-3739 | Experienced Adult, Family, & Community Specialist in the area of Person-Centered and Solution-Focused practices. | Children, Adults, Family, Substance Use, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Peer Support |
| InSight Psychology and Behavioral Health Services | administrator@insightpbhs.com | 512-704-8349 | InSight is a dynamic mental health group practice. We offer psychological testing, counseling, workshops and more. | Children, Adults, Family, Substance Use |
| NAMI Central Texas | info@namicentraltx.org | 512-420-9810 | Volunteer-led education and support programs dedicated to improving the lives of individuals affected by mental illness. | Adults, Family, Peer Support |
| City of Austin/Health Equity and Community Engagement | Deborah.Duncan@austintexas.gov | 512-972-5409 | Conduct health education classes on 15 leading causes of death in Travis County in churches, radio, etc. | Children, Adults, Family |
| The Brinkley Center | drbrinkley@brinkleycenter.com | 512-680-2874 | I help professional women overcome overthinking. Specializations: anxiety; depression; ethnic/cultural; life transitions | Adults |
| Debbie Dunmore | debbie@renovatingdynasties.com | 512-786-3384 | Population: 15 & up. Issues: anxiety, depression, stress, relationships, & substance use. Accepts insurance & private pay | Children, Adults, Family, Substance Use |
| Cedric R. Dunmore | cedric@renovatingdynasties.com | 512-786-3384 | Specialize in substance use, families reconstruction relate to addiction, and men's issues specific to recovery/reentry | Adults, Family, Substance Use, Peer Support |
| ATX Mental Health | info@atxmentalhealth.com | 512-887-1459 | Trauma recovery, anxiety, life transitions, grief, depression, school difficulty; individuals, couples and families | Adults, Family, Substance Use, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities |
| YWCA Greater Austin | laura@ywcaaustin.org | 512-326-1222 | Trauma-informed mental health services, advocacy, and training addressing the impact of oppression, racism, & privilege. | Children, Adults, Family, Peer Support |
| Victoria Dorsey Drewy Professional Counseling Services | vdrewy@yahoo.com | 512-786-5890 | Psychotherapy practice | Children, Adults, Family, Peer Support |
| Dana D. Edgerton, M.A., LPC - Solutions Over Stress | solutionsoverstress@gmail.com | 512-507-0286 | I provide a collaborative environment with clients to help them reach their fullest potential. | Adults, Family |
| The Center For Relationships | office@thecenter4relationships.com | 512-465-2926 | We deeply respect clients as resilient, whole humans. We are consciously and deliberately diverse. | Adults, Family, Peer Support |
| Animal-Assisted Therapist, LLC | morgan@animalassistedtherapist.com | 512-337-9664 | Morgan Rupe, M.A., LPC & her therapy dog provide animal-assisted counseling services to children, adolescents, & adults. | Children, Adults |
| Summit Mental Health Clinic | office@summitmentalhealth.com | 512-732-2122 | An outpatient psychiatric clinic for ages 5 to 65 that focuses on patient specific medication management, TMS & Spravato | Children, Adults, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Psychiatry |
| Ashley Logan | tct@thecounselingtherapist.com | 512-670-8367 | Ashley provides brief solution focused, strengthen based tele-health therapy with humor and cultural humility. | Children, Adults, Family |
| Moore Health Solutions | camettmoore@gmail.com | 512-986-7537 | Compassionate treatment of mental health and substance use disorders focused on wellness during recovery. | Adults, Substance Use, Psychiatry |
| Blanca Sanchez-Navarro | blancacounseling@gmail.com | 512-981-5738 | Passionate Counseling Professional with 30 years of experience with adults from many backgrounds and needs. | Adults, Substance Use |
| Charlotte Caples Consulting | charlotte@charlottecaples.com | 512-689-4271 | We help leaders minimize the costs of racism and develop racially equitable and inclusive environments. | Children, Adults, Family, Substance Use, Peer Support |
| Hand to Hold | rachel@handtohold.org | 713-884-7015 | Certified peer mental health specialists supporting families with babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). | Adults, Family, Peer Support |
| AMEN Program - UT Austin School of Nursing | jhecht@nursing.utexas.edu | 401-556-1067 | We conduct community-engaged research/ programs to promote wellness from a holistic perspective of mind, body and spirit | Adults, Family, Peer Support |
| SIMS Foundation | patsy@simsfoundation.org | 512-494-1007 | SIMS provides mental health/substance use recovery services & supports for all music industry professionals & families. | Children, Adults, Family, Substance Use, Psychiatry, Peer Support |
| Holistic Mental Health | nakiascottmd@holisticmh.com | 512-562-9117 | Holistic Mental Health is the office of board certified integrative child psychiatrist, Nakia Scott, M.D. | Children, Psychiatry |
| Jennifer Frazier, LPC | jenfrazier512@gmail.com | 512-766-1984 | Offering 100% Virtual platform (Telehealth) Specialties include: Trauma-Focused, CBT, School and Work-related issues. | Children, Adults, Family |
| Out Youth | sarah.kapostasy@outyouth.org | 512-529-8888 | Out Youth serves the LGBTQIA+ community through individual, group, and family counseling, as well as case management. | Children, Adults, Family, Peer Support |
| Andrea (Lady Felicia) Dotson | Afelitelcm@gmail.com | 512-221-9284 | I am a Certified Family Partner (Advanced Level) As well I am a Parent Coach. | Adults, Family, Psychiatry, Peer Support |
| SonderMind | myoung@sondermind.com | 512-521-1558 | SonderMind matches clients based on need, insurance/payment, location and schedule. | Children, Adults, Family, Substance Use |
| Damaris Rodriguez-Dell Children's Hospital-Mental Health Unit | DpRodriguez@ascension.org | 210-724-1119 | Inpatient Hospitalization & Outpatient services: self-harm, suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, trauma- DBT , CBT, TF-CBT | Children, Psychiatry |
| Tiffany Belfrom, LPC, NCC | purelifepsychotherapy@gmail.com | 512-270-8522 | Individual therapy, psychosocial evaluations, ESA letters, and working towards immigration psychosocial evaluations. | Children, Adults, Substance Use |
| Whole Life Priorities, LLC | michael@wholelifepriorities.com | 512-831-7676 | Individual, couples and family therapy. We also have a strong focus on adolescents and parent child relations. | Children, Adults, Family |
| Adolescent Medicine Clinic | mia.roldan@ascension.org | 512-324-0092 | Mia Roldan LCSW, LCDC, is a licensed clinical social worker in UT Health Austin Pediatric Psychiatry at Dell Children's. | Children, Adults, Family |
| EARTHNIQUE RESOURCES EMPOWERMENT | EARTHNIQUERESOURCES@YAHOO.COM | 512-985-0289 | Holistic Afrocentric tested method of addressing mental health and substance abuse for optimal success. | Children, Adults, Family, Substance Use, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Psychiatry, Peer Support |
| Valeria E. Milstead-Benabdallah, LCSW, PC dba VEMB Psychotherapy Services | chris.vemb@hotmail.com | 405-604-0180 | We combine compassion, competence, in-depth clinical & cultural knowledge, & evidence-based skills to work ethically | Children, Adults, Family, Substance Use |
| Ascension Seton Behavioral Health IOP | jhana.rice@ascension.org | 512-324-2039 | A trauma based virtual Intensive Outpatient Program that meets daily, Mon-Fri for 6 weeks. Decreases symptoms of PTSD. | Adults |
| Dr. Calvin Kelly & Associates | drcakellyandassoc@gmail.com | 828-231-5986 | We offer state of the art mental health counseling services with a specialization in trauma informed treatment. | Children, Adults, Family, Substance Use, Peer Support |
| Out Youth | sarah.kapostasy@outyouth.org | 512-419-1233 | Out Youth provides clinical/community services to LGBT+ youth and trans adults. | Children, Adults, Family, Peer Support |
| Wonders & Worries | jordan@wondersandworries.org | 512-329-5757 | A nonprofit providing free professional support for kids (2-18yrs) who have a parent with a serious, physical illness. | Children, Family |
| Any Baby Can | theresaj@anybabycan.org | 512-828-9451 | Any Baby Can is an agency that improves the lives of lives empowers and strengthens families. | Children, Adults, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Peer Support |
| Black Family Business, LLC | hirealiciabuchanan@gmail.com | 512-766-9470 | Therapy: depression/anxiety/trauma/relationship/ transition Coaching: help entrepreneurs/leaders heal &write their book | Children, Adults, Family, Substance Use |
| D Elizabeth Smith LPC | DElizabeth.Smith@yahoo.com | 512-417-7166 | I am a black LPC serving adult individuals&couples; all ethnicities&faiths with relationship/life transition issues. | Adults |
| The Council on Holistic Healing and Recovery | therapy@ceuinfo.com | 713-461-3279 | Since 1973 I've treated addiction to alcohol/drugs/prescription drugs, behavioral addictions, PTSD, Trauma, Grief | Adults, Family, Substance Use |
| The Mental Wellness Network | jo@thementalwellnessnetwork.org | 301-675-2370 | Mental health advocacy, awareness & education. Have a directory that matches therapy seekers with therapy providers. | Children, Adults, Family, Substance Use, Psychiatry, Peer Support |
| Lenora Jones | jnora22222@gmail.com | 737-226-8843 | I am pursuing my Masters in Social work at the University of Texas at San Antonio. I attended CTAAFSC in 2020. | Children, Adults, Family |
| Ashley Logan | tct@thecounselingtherapist.com | 512-670-8367 | My approach is BRIEF STRENGTH BASED SOLUTION FOCUSED THERAPY with BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ communities and college students. | Adults |
| Mia Roland, LCSW, LCDC | mia.roldan@ascension.org | 512-324-0092 | Individual, family, and group psychotherapy for adolescents with eating disorders and gender diverse patients. | Children, Adults |
| Texas Alliance of Child and Family Services | eharris@tacfs.org | I am the Mental Health Policy Fellow with the Hogg Foundation. | Children, Family, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities | |
| Mothers Against Drunk Driving | myra.constable@madd.org | 512-445-4976 | Underage drinking prevention presentations for youth and parents, presentations to prevent drunk driving crashes. | Children, Adults, Family |
| Impact Lufkin | reshank@hotmail.com | 936-635-8195 | Impact Lufkin is a community driven organization that connects resources with responsible partners, agencies and program | Children, Adults, Family, Substance Use, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Peer Support |
| Better Path Family Counseling and Consulting, PLLC | gethelp@betterpathcounseling.com | 512-660-3499 | Group practice of LPC, LMFT, LCSW We cover couples, marriage, individual, and family. We also work with abuse victims | Children, Adults, Family, Substance Use |
| Shamale Dancy-Dell Children's Medical Center | shamale.dancy@ascension.org | 512-324-9886 | Licensed social worker in hospital setting specializing in mental health with adolescents. | Children, Family, Substance Use, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities |
| Foster Community Central Texas | chelsy@fostercommunity.org | 214-300-9171 | Foster Community has a mission to increase the number of diverse foster families in Central Texas. | Children, Adults, Family |
| YWCA Greater Austin | naya@ywcaaustin.org | 512-797-8778 | We focus on the intersection of mental health and social justice via our counseling center. | Children, Adults, Family, Peer Support |
| Vanessa Ferguson | vferguson@pcsi.org | 254-535-5194 | I am the Senior Vice President of Workforce Development. We serve the population with disabilities for employment. | Children, Adults, Family, Substance Use, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Psychiatry, Peer Support |
| National Ovarian Cancer Coalition Austin Chapter | sedwards@ovarian.org | 512-402-5017 | To save lives by fighting tirelessly to prevent and cure ovarian cancer and to improve the quality of life for Survivors | Children, Adults, Family, Peer Support |
| Sarah Akunebu, M.A., LMFT | sarah@sarahakunebu.com | 512-337-2198 | Multicultural/Immigrant/Racial Identity; Life Transitions; Personal Growth; Healthy Relationship Boundaries & Intimacy | Adults |
| Communities for Recovery | info@cforr.org | 512-758-7686 | Supporting long-term recovery for people with substance use and co-occurring mental health issues. Peer support service. | Adults, Family, Substance Use, Peer Support |
| Austin Area Mental Health Consumers | scarr@austinmhc.org | 512-442-3366 | COSP which provides peer support services for adults experiencing lived MH, substance use and/or homelessness experience | Adults, Peer Support |
| Austin Energy Spa | Austinenergyspa@gmail.com | 512-621-8644 | I teach online mind body movement called qi gong to help relieve stress, fatigue, and chronic health issues. | Children, Adults, Family |
| Dr. Leah Brock-White (ChosenEyes, LLC) | ChosenEyes@ChosenEyes.com | 504-407-5439 | Wellness Education | Family, Peer Support |
| Alcohol Anonymous | altdcm@district3b3c.org | 773-449-9700 | Alternative District Committee Member for the Austin Texas Area and Southwest Texas. We provide information and resources | Adults, Family, Substance Use, Peer Support |
| Funeral Consumers Alliance of Central Texas | execdir@fcactx.org | 512-480-0555 | The information we provide helps people make informed end-of-life choices in line with their values and needs. | Adults, Family |
| Moonstone Counseling Center | khaneisha@moonstonecounselingcenter.com | 210-695-0454 | My specialities include: end-of-life (death, grief, and loss). Geriatrics, trauma, depression, anxiety. | Adults |
| Austin Black Physicians Association | info@austinbpa.com | 512-759-8110 | ABPA's mission is to improve the health and wellness of underserved communities and decrease health disparities by inspiring the next generation of Black physicians. | Adults |
| Counseling 4 Recovery | counseling4recovery@outlook.com | 512-910-5188 | Addiction Counseling, Substance Use, Recovery, Relapse Prevention, and Family Education | Adults, Substance Use |
| Charles Gee | info@charlesgee.com | 469-237-1291 | I mostly focus on anxiety and stress, coping skills, college-age concerns, depression, family conflict, trauma, identity | Adults, Peer Support |
| Heading Health | info@headinghealth.com | 512-777-2591 | Mental health provider offering telepsychiatry, Spravato, TMS and IM Ketamine. Enrolling with all major insurers. | Adults, Family, Psychiatry |
| Acelli Crippen-Kok | acelli@solidgroundcounseling.com | 512-793-7737 | I love helping people self-accept, identify ineffective behaviors, and make positive connections with self and others. | Children, Adults |
| HIP Healthy Innovative Processes | padams@hip-sa.org | 210-271-3630 | State of Texas LPC-S / LMFT-S willing to support 10 Associates seeking supervision virtual and face-face. | Adults, Family, Psychiatry, Peer Support |
| Erica Lian Phelps | RemoteLMSW@zwgroup.net | 210-447-7373 | I am a licensed master social worker (LMSW) and have experience working with children and families. | Children, Adults, Family |
| Better Path Family Counseling and Consulting, PLLC | Gethelp@betterpathcounseling.com | 512-660-3499 | Our most frequently used modalities are CBT, DBT, Family Systems, Mindfulness, and Experiential Therapies... | Children, Adults, Family, Substance Use |
| Solid Ground Counseling (Cedar Park) | acelli@solidgroundcounselingtx.com | 512-793-7737 | I work with teens and adults to build healthy relationships, cope with depression, and thrive through difficulty. | Children, Adults |
| InSight Psychology and Behavioral Health Services | bhall-clark@insightpbhs.com | 512-504-8349 | I am a clinical psychologist specializing in trauma, anxiety, and diversity issues. | Adults |
| Gods Way Christian Baptist Church - Wellness and Empowerment Community Ministries | sahosey7@icloud.com | 512-663-1900 | Mental Health Education & Awareness, Youth Mental Health First Aid Training, Resources & Referral, Empowerment Seminars | Children, Adults, Family, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities |
| Austin Trauma Therapy Center | diana@atxtraumatherapycenter.com | 512-270-8215 | Austin Trauma Therapy Center provides specialized mental health therapy services to individuals in the Austin area. | Children, Adults, Family, Substance Use, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Psychiatry, Peer Support |
| Blaine Counseling and Consulting | Blainecounselingandconsulting@gmail.com | 737-275-0087 | BCC aims to create safe spaces for mental health services and awareness. | Children, Adults, Family |
| Culture in Mind | heal@cultureinmind.com | 512-648-3641 | I specialize in helping BIPOC individuals draw on their culture to heal from trauma & step into their power. | Adults |
| Shurrun's House | shurrunshouse@gmail.com | 972-207-1604 | Our organization provide shelter, safety and stability to low income women after treatment for substance abuse. | Adults, Substance Use, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Peer Support |
| Saffron Trust Womens Foundation | mailto:peverette@saffrontrust.org | 973-698-6122 | We provide dedicated support and resources to break the cycle of generational poverty by acting as a diversion program. | Adults, Family |
| Austin Child Guidance Center | 5124512242kpierce-vreeke@austinchildguidance.org | 512-451-2242 | Individual, family, and group therapy; Psychological Assessment services; Psychiatric services; Walk-in Clinic | Children, Family, Psychiatry |
| I’Esha Baber | addison@neemacounseling.com | 512-669-5701 | I use strengths-based cognitive behavioral therapy to help college students, women, and teens. | Adults |
| Double Diversity Digital Art Gallery | doublediversityproject@gmail.com | 817-703-8223 | This art gallery captures the stories of Black neurodiverse students and provides tailored mental health resources. | Adults, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities |
| AlcoholAwareness.org | info@alcoholawareness.org | 855-955-0771 | Our goal is to raise awareness & offer free resources to the community. Our free alcohol abuse hotline is available 24/7 | Adults, Family, Substance Use |
| Austin Recovery | info@austinrecovery.org | 512-697-8500 | Recovery high school, alternative peer group and family support for teens and families healing from substance use. | Children, Family, Substance Use, Peer Support |
| Rock Springs | denisefinger@spsh.com | 7372150621 | Behavioral Inpatient, PHP, IOP and Help for Heroes® programs for adults, adolescents & children. | Children, Adults, Family, Substance Use, Psychiatry |
| The Hope Project of Central Texas | thehopeproject@sbcglobal.net | 5125899021 | Grief, marriage, couples, family, adolescents, mental health, disability and the world of work | Children, Adults, Family, Substance Use, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities |
| Charlie Health | julie.dolle@charliehealth.com | 737-529-2670 | Charlie Health is a 100% virtual intensive outpatient program for mental health and SUD for ages 11-33. | Children, Adults, Family, Substance Use, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Psychiatry, Peer Support |
| Integral IDD | hlc@integralcare.org | 737-243-3222 | Providing resources for individuals with IDD and mental health | Children, Adults, Family, Substance Use, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Psychiatry, Peer Support |
| Neema Counseling | info@neemacounseling.com | 512-669-5701 | Trauma, anxiety, depression, chronic illness, substance use, emotional disturbance | Adults, Substance Use |
| Modern Balance Counseling | anaponce@modernbalancecounseling.com | 512-412-3198 | Modern, mindful + culturally relevant support for insight, burnout, grief, trauma, relationships & major life changes. | Children, Adults, Family |
| Alexandra L. Clark, PhD | alexandra.clark@austin.utexas.edu | 512-442-1140 | Neuropsychologist offering culturally-competent cognitive assessment services for older adults concerned about dementia | Adults, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Psychiatry |
| Black Family Business LLV | support@blackfamilybusiness.com | 512-766-9470 | I support Black women entrepreneurs and families with to write their book for their business and relationship coaching. | Adults, Family |
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!