Austin Area African American Behavioral Health Network

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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.

A photo from a 4ABHN presentationFollowing 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.

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.

Upcoming Events Shared by the AMEN Team

Upcoming Events Shared by the AMEN Team

St.John's Faith Community Garden Clean Up On April 9th from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm CT. Join the Gardeners at St.John's Faith Community Garden Clean Up event.They will be sharing their knowledge of gardening and teaching the community about growing fresh products. Download...

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4ABHN March 2022 Meeting

4ABHN March 2022 Meeting

Annually, through our Austin Area African American Behavioral Health Network (4ABHN) partnership, the Hogg ​Foundation awards organizations in Central Texas small grants to support mental health and wellness among African Americans. This year, 10 organizations were...

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Professional Training: Anticipatory Grief

Professional Training: Anticipatory Grief

This virtual professional training explores anticipatory grief, the grief that takes place prior to, but in connection with, a significant loss that is expected to take place, but has not yet occurred. Being forewarned of a potential loss may affect the quality and...

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Resource Directory

Check out our directory of culturally competent service providers and community-based supports in the Austin area.

Contact Name/OrganizationContact EmailContact NumberScope of WorkPopulation(s) Served
Chaplain Martinharris.martin4@gmail.com512-619-6950Spiritual and emotional supportAdults, Family
Phoenix House of Texashhafizullah@phoenixhousetx.org512-962-8399We are a non-profit substance abuse treatment center with in-patient adolescent and outpatient adult and adolescent servChildren, Adults, Family, Psychiatry, Peer Support
The Hope Projectthehopeproject@sbcglobal.net512-589-9021I am a LPC with specialty working with youth 10 and older, and adults. My specialty is anxiety, depression, SFT, CouplesChildren, Adults
Tiffany E. Gillis MA, B.S.tgillis81@yahoo.com281-787-3739Experienced 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 Servicesadministrator@insightpbhs.com512-704-8349InSight is a dynamic mental health group practice. We offer psychological testing, counseling, workshops and more.Children, Adults, Family, Substance Use
NAMI Central Texasinfo@namicentraltx.org512-420-9810Volunteer-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 EngagementDeborah.Duncan@austintexas.gov512-972-5409Conduct health education classes on 15 leading causes of death in Travis County in churches, radio, etc.Children, Adults, Family
The Brinkley Centerdrbrinkley@brinkleycenter.com512-680-2874I help professional women overcome overthinking. Specializations: anxiety; depression; ethnic/cultural; life transitionsAdults
Debbie Dunmoredebbie@renovatingdynasties.com512-786-3384Population: 15 & up. Issues: anxiety, depression, stress, relationships, & substance use. Accepts insurance & private payChildren, Adults, Family, Substance Use
Cedric R. Dunmorecedric@renovatingdynasties.com512-786-3384Specialize in substance use, families reconstruction relate to addiction, and men's issues specific to recovery/reentryAdults, Family, Substance Use, Peer Support
ATX Mental Healthinfo@atxmentalhealth.com512-887-1459Trauma recovery, anxiety, life transitions, grief, depression, school difficulty; individuals, couples and families Adults, Family, Substance Use, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
YWCA Greater Austinlaura@ywcaaustin.org512-326-1222Trauma-informed mental health services, advocacy, and training addressing the impact of oppression, racism, & privilege.Children, Adults, Family, Peer Support
Victoria Dorsey Drewy Professional Counseling Servicesvdrewy@yahoo.com512-786-5890Psychotherapy practiceChildren, Adults, Family, Peer Support
Dana D. Edgerton, M.A., LPC - Solutions Over Stresssolutionsoverstress@gmail.com512-507-0286I provide a collaborative environment with clients to help them reach their fullest potential.Adults, Family
The Center For Relationshipsoffice@thecenter4relationships.com512-465-2926We deeply respect clients as resilient, whole humans. We are consciously and deliberately diverse.Adults, Family, Peer Support
Animal-Assisted Therapist, LLCmorgan@animalassistedtherapist.com512-337-9664Morgan Rupe, M.A., LPC & her therapy dog provide animal-assisted counseling services to children, adolescents, & adults.Children, Adults
Summit Mental Health Clinicoffice@summitmentalhealth.com512-732-2122An outpatient psychiatric clinic for ages 5 to 65 that focuses on patient specific medication management, TMS & SpravatoChildren, Adults, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Psychiatry
Ashley Logantct@thecounselingtherapist.com512-670-8367Ashley provides brief solution focused, strengthen based tele-health therapy with humor and cultural humility.Children, Adults, Family
Moore Health Solutionscamettmoore@gmail.com512-986-7537Compassionate treatment of mental health and substance use disorders focused on wellness during recovery.Adults, Substance Use, Psychiatry
Blanca Sanchez-Navarro blancacounseling@gmail.com512-981-5738Passionate Counseling Professional with 30 years of experience with adults from many backgrounds and needs.Adults, Substance Use
Charlotte Caples Consulting charlotte@charlottecaples.com512-689-4271We 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.org713-884-7015Certified 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.edu401-556-1067We conduct community-engaged research/ programs to promote wellness from a holistic perspective of mind, body and spiritAdults, Family, Peer Support
SIMS Foundationpatsy@simsfoundation.org512-494-1007SIMS provides mental health/substance use recovery services & supports for all music industry professionals & families.Children, Adults, Family, Substance Use, Psychiatry, Peer Support
Holistic Mental Healthnakiascottmd@holisticmh.com512-562-9117Holistic Mental Health is the office of board certified integrative child psychiatrist, Nakia Scott, M.D.Children, Psychiatry
Jennifer Frazier, LPCjenfrazier512@gmail.com512-766-1984 Offering 100% Virtual platform (Telehealth)
Specialties include: Trauma-Focused, CBT, School and Work-related issues.
Children, Adults, Family
Out Youthsarah.kapostasy@outyouth.org512-529-8888Out Youth serves the LGBTQIA+ community through individual, group, and family counseling, as well as case management.Children, Adults, Family, Peer Support
Andrea (Lady Felicia) DotsonAfelitelcm@gmail.com512-221-9284I am a Certified Family Partner (Advanced Level) As well I am a Parent Coach.Adults, Family, Psychiatry, Peer Support
SonderMindmyoung@sondermind.com512-521-1558SonderMind matches clients based on need, insurance/payment, location and schedule.Children, Adults, Family, Substance Use
Damaris Rodriguez-Dell Children's Hospital-Mental Health UnitDpRodriguez@ascension.org210-724-1119Inpatient Hospitalization & Outpatient services: self-harm, suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, trauma- DBT , CBT, TF-CBTChildren, Psychiatry
Tiffany Belfrom, LPC, NCCpurelifepsychotherapy@gmail.com512-270-8522Individual therapy, psychosocial evaluations, ESA letters, and working towards immigration psychosocial evaluations.Children, Adults, Substance Use
Whole Life Priorities, LLCmichael@wholelifepriorities.com512-831-7676Individual, couples and family therapy. We also have a strong focus on adolescents and parent child relations.Children, Adults, Family
Adolescent Medicine Clinicmia.roldan@ascension.org512-324-0092Mia Roldan LCSW, LCDC, is a licensed clinical social worker in UT Health Austin Pediatric Psychiatry at Dell Children's.Children, Adults, Family
EARTHNIQUE RESOURCES EMPOWERMENTEARTHNIQUERESOURCES@YAHOO.COM512-985-0289Holistic 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 Serviceschris.vemb@hotmail.com405-604-0180We combine compassion, competence, in-depth clinical & cultural knowledge,
& evidence-based skills to work ethically
Children, Adults, Family, Substance Use
Ascension Seton Behavioral Health IOPjhana.rice@ascension.org512-324-2039A trauma based virtual Intensive Outpatient Program that meets daily, Mon-Fri for 6 weeks. Decreases symptoms of PTSD.Adults
Dr. Calvin Kelly & Associatesdrcakellyandassoc@gmail.com828-231-5986We offer state of the art mental health counseling services with a specialization in trauma informed treatment.Children, Adults, Family, Substance Use, Peer Support
Out Youthsarah.kapostasy@outyouth.org512-419-1233Out Youth provides clinical/community services to LGBT+ youth and trans adults.Children, Adults, Family, Peer Support
Wonders & Worriesjordan@wondersandworries.org512-329-5757A nonprofit providing free professional support for kids (2-18yrs) who have a parent with a serious, physical illness.Children, Family
Any Baby Cantheresaj@anybabycan.org512-828-9451Any 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, LLChirealiciabuchanan@gmail.com512-766-9470Therapy: depression/anxiety/trauma/relationship/ transition

Coaching: help entrepreneurs/leaders heal &write their book
Children, Adults, Family, Substance Use
D Elizabeth Smith LPCDElizabeth.Smith@yahoo.com512-417-7166I am a black LPC serving adult individuals&couples; all ethnicities&faiths with relationship/life transition issues.Adults
The Council on Holistic Healing and Recoverytherapy@ceuinfo.com713-461-3279Since 1973 I've treated addiction to alcohol/drugs/prescription drugs, behavioral addictions, PTSD, Trauma, GriefAdults, Family, Substance Use
The Mental Wellness Networkjo@thementalwellnessnetwork.org301-675-2370Mental health advocacy, awareness & education. Have a directory that matches therapy seekers with therapy providers.Children, Adults, Family, Substance Use, Psychiatry, Peer Support
Lenora Jonesjnora22222@gmail.com737-226-8843I am pursuing my Masters in Social work at the University of Texas at San Antonio. I attended CTAAFSC in 2020.Children, Adults, Family
Ashley Logantct@thecounselingtherapist.com512-670-8367My approach is BRIEF STRENGTH BASED SOLUTION FOCUSED THERAPY with BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ communities and college students.Adults
Mia Roland, LCSW, LCDCmia.roldan@ascension.org512-324-0092Individual, family, and group psychotherapy for adolescents with eating disorders and gender diverse patients. Children, Adults
Texas Alliance of Child and Family Serviceseharris@tacfs.orgI am the Mental Health Policy Fellow with the Hogg Foundation. Children, Family, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Mothers Against Drunk Drivingmyra.constable@madd.org512-445-4976Underage drinking prevention presentations for youth and parents, presentations to prevent drunk driving crashes.Children, Adults, Family
Impact Lufkinreshank@hotmail.com936-635-8195Impact Lufkin is a community driven organization that connects resources with responsible partners, agencies and programChildren, Adults, Family, Substance Use, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Peer Support
Better Path Family Counseling and Consulting, PLLCgethelp@betterpathcounseling.com512-660-3499Group 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 Centershamale.dancy@ascension.org512-324-9886Licensed social worker in hospital setting specializing in mental health with adolescents.Children, Family, Substance Use, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Foster Community Central Texaschelsy@fostercommunity.org214-300-9171Foster Community has a mission to increase the number of diverse foster families in Central Texas.Children, Adults, Family
YWCA Greater Austinnaya@ywcaaustin.org512-797-8778We focus on the intersection of mental health and social justice via our counseling center.Children, Adults, Family, Peer Support
Vanessa Fergusonvferguson@pcsi.org254-535-5194I 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 Chaptersedwards@ovarian.org512-402-5017To save lives by fighting tirelessly to prevent and cure ovarian cancer and to improve the quality of life for SurvivorsChildren, Adults, Family, Peer Support
Sarah Akunebu, M.A., LMFTsarah@sarahakunebu.com512-337-2198Multicultural/Immigrant/Racial Identity; Life Transitions; Personal Growth; Healthy Relationship Boundaries & IntimacyAdults
Communities for Recoveryinfo@cforr.org512-758-7686Supporting 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 Consumersscarr@austinmhc.org512-442-3366COSP which provides peer support services for adults experiencing lived MH, substance use and/or homelessness experienceAdults, Peer Support
Austin Energy SpaAustinenergyspa@gmail.com512-621-8644I 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.com504-407-5439Wellness EducationFamily, Peer Support
Alcohol Anonymousaltdcm@district3b3c.org773-449-9700Alternative District Committee Member for the Austin Texas Area and Southwest Texas. We provide information and resourcesAdults, Family, Substance Use, Peer Support
Funeral Consumers Alliance of Central Texasexecdir@fcactx.org512-480-0555The information we provide helps people make informed end-of-life choices in line with their values and needs.Adults, Family
Moonstone Counseling Centerkhaneisha@moonstonecounselingcenter.com210-695-0454My specialities include: end-of-life (death, grief, and loss). Geriatrics, trauma, depression, anxiety.Adults
Austin Black Physicians Associationinfo@austinbpa.com512-759-8110ABPA'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 Recoverycounseling4recovery@outlook.com512-910-5188Addiction Counseling, Substance Use, Recovery, Relapse Prevention, and Family EducationAdults, Substance Use
Charles Geeinfo@charlesgee.com469-237-1291 I mostly focus on anxiety and stress, coping skills, college-age concerns, depression, family conflict, trauma, identityAdults, Peer Support
Heading Healthinfo@headinghealth.com512-777-2591Mental health provider offering telepsychiatry, Spravato, TMS and IM Ketamine. Enrolling with all major insurers.Adults, Family, Psychiatry
Acelli Crippen-Kokacelli@solidgroundcounseling.com512-793-7737I love helping people self-accept, identify ineffective behaviors, and make positive connections with self and others.Children, Adults
HIP Healthy Innovative Processespadams@hip-sa.org210-271-3630State of Texas LPC-S / LMFT-S willing to support 10 Associates seeking supervision virtual and face-face.Adults, Family, Psychiatry, Peer Support
Erica Lian PhelpsRemoteLMSW@zwgroup.net210-447-7373I am a licensed master social worker (LMSW) and have experience working with children and families.Children, Adults, Family
Better Path Family Counseling and Consulting, PLLCGethelp@betterpathcounseling.com512-660-3499Our 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.com512-793-7737I work with teens and adults to build healthy relationships, cope with depression, and thrive through difficulty.Children, Adults
InSight Psychology and Behavioral Health Servicesbhall-clark@insightpbhs.com512-504-8349I am a clinical psychologist specializing in trauma, anxiety, and diversity issues.Adults
Gods Way Christian Baptist Church - Wellness and Empowerment Community Ministriessahosey7@icloud.com512-663-1900Mental Health Education & Awareness, Youth Mental Health First Aid Training, Resources & Referral,
Empowerment Seminars
Children, Adults, Family, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Austin Trauma Therapy Centerdiana@atxtraumatherapycenter.com512-270-8215Austin 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 ConsultingBlainecounselingandconsulting@gmail.com737-275-0087BCC aims to create safe spaces for mental health services and awareness.Children, Adults, Family
Culture in Mindheal@cultureinmind.com512-648-3641 I specialize in helping BIPOC individuals draw on their culture to heal from trauma & step into their power.Adults
Shurrun's Houseshurrunshouse@gmail.com972-207-1604Our 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 Foundationmailto:peverette@saffrontrust.org973-698-6122We provide dedicated support and resources to break the cycle of generational poverty by acting as a diversion program.Adults, Family
Austin Child Guidance Center5124512242kpierce-vreeke@austinchildguidance.org512-451-2242Individual, family, and group therapy;
Psychological Assessment services; Psychiatric services; Walk-in Clinic
Children, Family, Psychiatry
I’Esha Baberaddison@neemacounseling.com512-669-5701 I use strengths-based cognitive behavioral therapy to help college students, women, and teens. Adults
Double Diversity Digital Art Gallerydoublediversityproject@gmail.com817-703-8223This art gallery captures the stories of Black neurodiverse students and provides tailored mental health resources.Adults, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
AlcoholAwareness.orginfo@alcoholawareness.org855-955-0771Our goal is to raise awareness & offer free resources to the community. Our free alcohol abuse hotline is available 24/7Adults, Family, Substance Use
Austin Recoveryinfo@austinrecovery.org512-697-8500Recovery high school, alternative peer group and family support for teens and families healing from substance use. Children, Family, Substance Use, Peer Support
Rock Springsdenisefinger@spsh.com7372150621Behavioral Inpatient, PHP, IOP and Help for Heroes® programs for adults, adolescents & children. Children, Adults, Family, Substance Use, Psychiatry
The Hope Project of Central Texasthehopeproject@sbcglobal.net5125899021Grief, marriage, couples, family, adolescents, mental health, disability and the world of workChildren, Adults, Family, Substance Use, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Charlie Healthjulie.dolle@charliehealth.com737-529-2670Charlie 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 IDDhlc@integralcare.org737-243-3222Providing resources for individuals with IDD and mental healthChildren, Adults, Family, Substance Use, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Psychiatry, Peer Support
Neema Counselinginfo@neemacounseling.com512-669-5701Trauma, anxiety, depression, chronic illness, substance use, emotional disturbanceAdults, Substance Use
Modern Balance Counselinganaponce@modernbalancecounseling.com512-412-3198Modern, mindful + culturally relevant support for insight, burnout, grief, trauma, relationships & major life changes.Children, Adults, Family
Alexandra L. Clark, PhDalexandra.clark@austin.utexas.edu512-442-1140Neuropsychologist offering culturally-competent cognitive assessment services for older adults concerned about dementiaAdults, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Psychiatry
Black Family Business LLVsupport@blackfamilybusiness.com512-766-9470I 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

A stock photo of parents playing swinging daughter in the airThe 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!