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About us
Mission
The Black Women’s Mental Health Institute is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to building awareness of and support for the mental and holistic wellbeing of Black women and girls.
Currently, one in five American adults manage a mental health disorder. Despite recent advances in diagnosis and treatment, African American women are less likely to utilize mental health services than their White counterparts. It is our hope that the information provided and discussions facilitated through the Black Women's Mental Health Institute will positively impact lives as well as inspire decision-makers to creatively address mental health concerns for everyone.
Meet the team
Dr. Nadia M. Richardson, PhD
FOUNDER & CEO
Dr. Nadia M. Richardson is the Founder and CEO of the
Black Women's Mental Health Institute. Dr. Richardson is a passionate diversity consultant, professor and mental health advocate. In 2017, she spoke at a congressional briefing on Black women and mental health on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC by invitation from the Office of Congresswoman Robin Kelly. co-Founder of the Congressional Caucus for Black Women and Girls.
As a university instructor, she has developed and taught college courses on diversity, social justice leadership, health disparities, culturally responsive care, and academic potential. Dr. Richardson serves on the Community Advisory Board for the Cooper Green Health Services Authority and the Advocacy Committee for the Women's Foundation of Alabama. She is also an Honorary Member of the Alabama Counseling Association (Division of Multicultural Counseling and Development). In 2018, Dr. Richardson was selected as a top 40 under 40 Leader in Health by the National Minority Quality Forum.
Through our sisterhood, we encourage a culture of self-advocacy and self-care that dispels mental health stigma, raises awareness of mental health concerns, and increases the utilization of mental health services.
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Our mission is achieved our through various methods including, but not limited to:
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Sister Support Meetups and other community outreach programming
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Online Resources such as informational blogs and webinars
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Directory of mental health service providers
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Minority Mental Health Awareness Summit
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Mental Health First Aid Training
