Black Girls Mental Health Collective
Who We Are
We are Black mothers. Scholars. Advocates. Survivors. We hold advanced degrees, we have built remarkable careers, and yet, none of these accomplishments shielded us from the raw reality of perinatal and postpartum mental health struggles. Each of us has journeyed through the labyrinth of postpartum depression and anxiety, navigating stigma, systemic barriers, and a dearth of culturally competent care. These shared experiences laid the foundation for BGMHC.
We’ve grown from a team of three to a collective of six passionate professionals. Together, we are redefining what it means to provide mental health care that is not only accessible but also deeply attuned to the lived realities of Black women and birthing people.
Our Why: A Systemic Crisis
Postpartum depression and related mental health conditions disproportionately affect Black women. The statistics are sobering:
Up to 40% of Black mothers experience maternal mental health conditions, yet over half go untreated.
The risk of postpartum depression is 1.6 times higher for Black women than white women.
Despite these elevated risks, only 4% of Black women initiate postpartum mental health care.
Structural racism, financial barriers, and mistrust of the healthcare system compound these disparities, leaving many without the support they desperately need. We envisioned BGMHC as a bridge to fill this gap—a space where every Black woman and birthing person can access culturally competent, specialized perinatal mental health care.
How We Serve
Comprehensive Screening and Therapy Services
Our cornerstone initiative is to screen every woman or birthing person in the perinatal period at least eight times—starting during pregnancy and continuing through the first postpartum year. This approach ensures timely identification of mental health needs and provides opportunities for intervention before symptoms escalate. Depending on the needs of our clients, we offer individual, family, and couples therapy.
A Commitment to Accessibility
In 2024, we saw over 150 clients, completing 671 therapy sessions. Among these, 98% identified as members of the BIPOC community—a testament to our mission of serving those most impacted by systemic inequities. However, demand far exceeded our capacity, with 280 unique client requests, highlighting the dire need for expanded resources.
How You Can Help
1. Schedule a Session
Are you seeking therapy services? Connect with a therapist today and take the first step toward healing.
2. Partner With Us
Organizations interested in supporting our mission can reach out via our contact page.
3. Donate
Your contributions make a direct impact. Visit our donation page to help fund therapy for those in need.
4. Support the Nurturing Nest
Purchase essential items for moms in need through our registry.
