Mental health conditions do not discriminate.
Not across race, gender, ethnicity, economics, nor politics.
Brain diseases don’t ask questions.

We work very hard every day to make sure our services are accessible to as many people as possible.Anyone can experience the challenges of mental illness, regardless of their background.

However, background and identity can make access to mental health treatment much more difficult. In 2008, July was established as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month to address this disparity.

Our beliefs, norms, values, and language affect how we perceive and experience mental health conditions. We know that non-white racial and ethnic minority groups face additional barriers that prevent them from receiving care, such as higher levels of stigma, misinformation about mental health, and language.

Even when members of these groups are able to access treatment, they often receive poorer quality care due to lack of cultural competence, bias, and inadequate resources – on the part of mental health care providers.  This results in misdiagnosis, dropping out of treatment, and a longer time to achieve recovery.  However, when a mental health professional does take into account cultural needs and differences, outcomes can be significantly improved.

Although everyone’s experience is unique, having information and knowledge about resources specific to your community can help you get better treatment.

Public Education Event

A Transformative Virtual Mental Health Event for BIPOC Adults

Wednesday, July 24 · 6 – 7:30 PM

Shanequa E. Moore, LMSW, CEO and Founder of I’RAISE Girls & Boys, joins NAMI-NYC during Minority Mental Health Awareness Month to discuss the importance of self-care and wellness for BIPOC communities. The address will cover topics like:

• Recognizing the unique challenges faced by BIPOC communities regarding mental health.
• The power of cultural traditions in promoting well-being.
• Dismantling stigma surrounding mental health within BIPOC communities and more!

Classes

Family-To-Family for the African American Community

Mondays, 6:00-8:30 PM, September 9 – November 4 (skip 10/14) (Virtual)

Family-to-Family for the African American Community is a free, 8-week class for family, significant others, and friends of people living with mental illness. Research shows that Family-to-Family makes a big difference in the coping and problem-solving abilities of the people closest to someone living with a mental health condition. It’s an official evidenced-based program by SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration). Our Family-to-Family for the African American Community centers around the unique mental health struggles that face the African American and Black communities.

Monthly Support Groups

Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI)

For people who identify as Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) and are living with any mental health challenge. This includes South Asians, East Asians, Southeast Asians, North Asians, Middle East Asians, and Pacific Islanders. 1st & 3rd Tuesday, 6 to 7:30pm ET.

Connect via Zoom

• To join with Zoom, click here.
• To join by phone, dial 646-558-8656, Meeting ID: 896 2769 5201, Password: 077578

Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) Family & Friends

For people who identify as Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) and have a loved one who is living with any mental health challenge. This includes South Asians, East Asians, Southeast Asians, North Asians, Middle East Asians, and Pacific Islanders. 1st Wednesday, 6 to 7:30pm ET.

Connect via Zoom

• To join with Zoom, click here.
• To join by phone, dial 646-558-8656, Meeting ID: 481 431 782, Password: 074801

Black Minds Matter

Peer support for people who identify as Black and are living with mental illness or any mental health condition. 2nd & 4th Friday, 6 to 7:30pm.

Connect via Zoom

• To join with video, click here.
• To join by phone, dial 646-558-8656, Meeting ID: 868 9802 0716, Password: 626651

Black Minds Matter Family & Friends

Peer support for people who identify as Black and have a loved one living with mental illness or any mental health condition. 1st & 3rd Monday, 8 to 9:30pm ET.

Connect via Zoom

• To join with Zoom, click here
• To join by phone, dial 646-558-8656, Meeting ID: 872 3963 8240

Familiares y Amistades

Apoyo, intercambio de estrategias de afrontamiento, y la información práctica para los familiares y amigos de personas con alguna enfermedad mental. Este grupo de apoyo se ofrece la oportunidad de: Proporcionar información para hacer frente; Hablar libremente sin temor a ser juzgado; Compartir lo que ayuda, lo que no, y hablar de la vida en general. Cada tercer martes de 6 a 7:30 pm ET.

• Enlace para unirse: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87235062643?pwd=VVN5NHF3d3NSR3REUE5WMlVqMmt3QT09
• Contraseña: 536326
• O puede llamar usando este número (no se requiere acceso a Internet): 646-558-8656
• Cuando se le solicite, ingrese el ID de la reunión: 872 3506 2643, contraseña:536326

Latine/Latinx Family & Friends (Virtual)

For adults who identify as Latine/Latinx and have a loved one living with emotional problems. 1st Tuesdays, 6-7:30 PM ET. Closed captioning is available.. Are you close to someone struggling with emotional problems? Connect with others who are experiencing the same unique challenges within their families and community. This group is conducted in English and Spanish.

• To join with Zoom, click here. 
• To join by phone, dial 646-558-8656, Meeting ID: 872 3506 2643, Passcode: 536326. 

Report: Mental Health Family Support for BIPOC New Yorkers

As a part of our anti-stigma grant with NYS Office of Mental Health, we conducted field work throughout New York City to determine baseline attitudes about mental health within the Latino community. We discovered so much more.