We are dedicated to addressing the mental health needs of Black women and young adults in California, particularly in light of the unique challenges they face. Economic insecurity, caregiving responsibilities, neighborhood violence, lack of social support, physical illness and the compounded impacts of racism and sexism place Black women at a high risk for mental and emotional stress. These daily pressures often lead to anxiety, tension and chronic stress, which can have serious health consequences over time. We are focused on creating pathways to better mental health by providing access to culturally responsive resources, education and support. All of our key initiative areas, including aging health, maternal & reproductive health, reparatory justice, sexual & relational health and violence prevention use Sister Circles and Community Circles as models of engagement, mental health is embedded in programming throughout the organization.
One of our signature programs, Sisters Mentally Mobilized - Advocate Training Program (SMM-ATP), trains Black women to address mental health issues in their lives and communities. Through our community events, programming and Sister Circles, Black women are empowered to recognize mental health challenges and advocate for the resources they need. With over 200 SMM-ATP program graduates and more than 600 participants in SMM and Sacramento Engagement events, the initiative is helping to foster a community of women who support and uplift each other in their mental health journeys.
Black Women Speak Recovery, part of the Behavioral Health Recovery Project, provides a platform for Black women to share their mental health needs and advocate for more culturally responsive services. Through listening sessions and community discussions, this program elevates Black women's voices in the conversation around mental health care, helping to bridge gaps in services.
Other programs like Mindful Beauty and Gen Z Speaks Wellness focus on innovative ways to address mental health in Black communities, from training hairstylists to spot depression in their clients to creating safe spaces for young adults to talk about mental health in a culturally affirming way.
Our work is helping to address mental health disparities, reduce stigma and improve access to mental health care for Black women and young adults across California. Learn more about our mental health programs below.
One of our signature programs, Sisters Mentally Mobilized - Advocate Training Program (SMM-ATP), trains Black women to address mental health issues in their lives and communities. Through our community events, programming and Sister Circles, Black women are empowered to recognize mental health challenges and advocate for the resources they need. With over 200 SMM-ATP program graduates and more than 600 participants in SMM and Sacramento Engagement events, the initiative is helping to foster a community of women who support and uplift each other in their mental health journeys.
Black Women Speak Recovery, part of the Behavioral Health Recovery Project, provides a platform for Black women to share their mental health needs and advocate for more culturally responsive services. Through listening sessions and community discussions, this program elevates Black women's voices in the conversation around mental health care, helping to bridge gaps in services.
Other programs like Mindful Beauty and Gen Z Speaks Wellness focus on innovative ways to address mental health in Black communities, from training hairstylists to spot depression in their clients to creating safe spaces for young adults to talk about mental health in a culturally affirming way.
Our work is helping to address mental health disparities, reduce stigma and improve access to mental health care for Black women and young adults across California. Learn more about our mental health programs below.
Mental Health Programming
Sisters Mentally Mobilized
Sisters Mentally Mobilized℠ (SMM℠) is a community defined intervention of California Black Women's Health Project designed to prevent and decrease mental health stigma, anxiety, and isolation in Black women. SMM combines mental health-focused advocate training (SMM-Advocate Training Program), and social support networks (SMM-Sister Circles) to build the capacity of Black women to speak to, and address mental health conditions and barriers in their lives and communities.
The failure to address these predisposing risk factors and adverse societal conditions exacerbates a pervasive mental health crises among Black women and families in California, leading to severely deteriorating mental illness and vicious circular cycles of conditions that contribute to and result from the onset and worsening of mental illness, including:
- Inter-generational trauma leading to internalized oppression; self-inflicted anger; self-hate; aggression; and the passing on of pain and stress from from grandparent, to parent, to grandchildren and beyond
- Stigma leading to shame; suspicion and paranoia; low seeking and utilization of mental health support and services; perpetual belief that depression only happens to Black women who are weak minded, troubled in spirit or have a lac of self-love; and a deep misconception that faith (spirituality) and mental health treatment are mutually exclusive
- Ongoing stress and abuse that is evidenced by high rates of anxiety, domestic violence (41% of Black women nationally experience interpersonal violence in their lifetime) and sexual abuse (an estimated 60% of Black girls nationally have experienced some form of sexual abuse before the age of 18.
Additionally, mental health resources in the Black community are both limited and overtaxed, resulting in a community health crisis that takes a toll on the souls of Black women. Within the Black community there is a severe shortage of culturally competent licensed clinical practitioners & programs to support the "good mental health" of Black women, a lack of mental health trained community advocates; a lack of "good mental health care" based on cultural and spiritual beliefs, and the absence of safe, caring, culturally responsive places to go for help ("safe spaces").
Sister Circles: Creating safe, healing spaces for Black women
Sister circles “are support groups that build upon existing friendships, fictive kin networks, and the sense of community found among African-American females. Originally embedded in the Black club movement sister circles have been a vital part of Black female life for the last 150 years. Sister circles exist directly in the community and within organizations that are components of women’s lives…”
Source: Neal-Barnett, et al. Sister Circles as a Culturally Relevant Intervention for African-American Women. Clinical Psychology (New York). 2011 September; 18(3) 266-273”
Whether formal or informal, sister circles are nationally recognized as a culturally relevant and effective therapeutic model for Black women. As opposed to the heteronormative male-centric “fight or flight” stress response, research shows that during times of stress, women are more likely to “tend and befriend” – a theoretical behavioral model developed by Dr. Shelley E. Taylor (UCLA). According to the “tend and befriend” theory, women form groups and coalitions to respond to threats and ameliorate stress. For Black women in particular, sister circles serve as “tend and befriend” protective barriers and safe spaces to “talk, deal and heal” from the unique and shared experiences and conditions (poverty, racism, mass incarceration, community and interpersonal violence, trauma, etc.) that negatively impact the mental and physical well-being of Black women and communities.
Source: Neal-Barnett, et al. Sister Circles as a Culturally Relevant Intervention for African-American Women. Clinical Psychology (New York). 2011 September; 18(3) 266-273”
Whether formal or informal, sister circles are nationally recognized as a culturally relevant and effective therapeutic model for Black women. As opposed to the heteronormative male-centric “fight or flight” stress response, research shows that during times of stress, women are more likely to “tend and befriend” – a theoretical behavioral model developed by Dr. Shelley E. Taylor (UCLA). According to the “tend and befriend” theory, women form groups and coalitions to respond to threats and ameliorate stress. For Black women in particular, sister circles serve as “tend and befriend” protective barriers and safe spaces to “talk, deal and heal” from the unique and shared experiences and conditions (poverty, racism, mass incarceration, community and interpersonal violence, trauma, etc.) that negatively impact the mental and physical well-being of Black women and communities.
Gen Z Speaks Wellness
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Gen Z Speaks Wellness is a Sacramento County capacity-building initiative promotes mental health and wellness among Black young adults 17-25 through culturally infused mental health convenings, workshops, and safe spaces. The aim is not only to create supportive environments but to improve five critical measures of mental and emotional wellness that serve as barriers against the negative impacts of adverse experiences associated with the following:
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Mindful Beauty
We are partnering with Charles R. Drew University and Black Beauty Shop Health Foundation, to provide South Los Angeles Black women with a depression-reduction program that trains Black hairstylists to spot signs of depression in their clients and refer them to local treatment and support services as appropriate.
Improving the Mental Health Narrative - Mindful Beauty Project Story MapKarlon Johnson Jr. MPHc is currently completing his second year in his Masters in Public Health Program at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science in Los Angeles. Through his MPH 590 Applied Practicum Experience course, he was able to able to create this story map for the Mindful Beauty Project. The story map helps explain the importance of the Mindful Beauty Project in spreading awareness and addressing racial disparities to "reduce mental health stigma and increase the quality of life for Black women in South Los Angeles." |
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South LA Beauty Shops Become a Safe Haven for Reducing Depression for African American Women - LA Sentinel“Given that black women visit hair salons an average of 2.5 times a month, which is at least 30 times a year, the beauty shop is an ideal place to educate women and equip them with practical tools to improve their health” said Margo LaDrew, founder and executive director of the Black Beauty Shop Health Foundation. “Mindful Beauty is an innovative mental health program that allows us to smartly and safely start the process of reducing the stigma behind mental health.” |
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Black Women Speak Recovery
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HEAR US Report
The voices of our HEAR US participants were reflected in this report, produced for the CA Dept of Healthcare Services, by The Center at The Sierra Health Foundation. |
Mental Health Campaigns
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The 2nd Annual 12 Days of Wellness campaign kicks off on December 1st, 2025, with a focus on promoting mental health and wellness for Black women, girls, families and communities. For 12 impactful days, participants will engage in daily activities grounded in the 12 Commandments of Mental Health, a powerful tool designed to nurture emotional and mental well-being.
Starting in November and throughout the campaign, the community will also raise funds to address health disparities within the Black community. This holiday season, help foster healing, build community and provide much-needed support. Share, fundraise and participate online using #12DaysofWellness to be part of this transformative effort. Learn more about the celebration of 12 Days of Wellness and the 2024 campaign. |
Mental Health Resources & Toolkits
To access more guides, toolkits and educational resources more visit cabwhp.org/education
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The 12 Commandments of Good Mental Health developed by California Black Women’s Health Project serve as a proactive framework for prioritizing mental and emotional wellness. Rather than reinforcing expectations of toughness or endurance, these commandments center care, boundaries, self-awareness and community connection as essential elements of health.
Historically, Black women have been systemically underserved in mental health care, while simultaneously being overburdened by social, cultural and economic pressures. The commandments disrupt harmful norms that expect silence, self-sacrifice or emotional suppression. Instead, they encourage practices that validate emotional experience, promote sustainable well-being and affirm the right to joy, rest, wellness and holistic support. Each commandment, whether it’s setting boundaries, knowing your family’s mental health history or committing to fun and relaxation, acts as a reminder that mental health is not a luxury, but a necessity. These principles invite individuals to check in with themselves, reflect without judgment and seek support without stigma. They also serve as tools for advocacy, education and self-empowerment within a system that often neglects the nuanced mental health needs of Black communities. |
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This toolkit is in collaboration with the California Pan-Ethnic Health Network and California Black Women's Health Project funded by the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission. This toolkit is to increase awareness about the mental health needs for our communities and provide advocacy tools to engage decision makers at the local level.
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Advocating for mental health equity and advances is crucial. It helps ensure that Black girls and teens receive the care necessary to navigate challenges and thrive. By advocating for mental health equity, we promote inclusivity, break down stigmas and empower Black girls and teens to prioritize their well-being, promoting positive outcomes in their lives
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Support Our Mental Health Initiatives for Black Communities in California
At California Black Women’s Health Project, we are leading the charge to address mental health disparities and promote healing and wellness across Black communities in California. Our mental health initiatives are rooted in culturally affirming care, community empowerment and eliminating stigma. Here's how you can support this vital work:
Sponsor an Event
Help us build safe, affirming spaces where Black people can talk about mental health without judgment. By sponsoring one of our events, you support community-driven experiences that:
Partner with Us
We welcome partnerships with organizations, health systems, and community groups that share our commitment to mental health equity. Collaborate with us to co-create:
Donate
Your donations fuel our ability to deliver free or low-cost mental health programming to Black individuals and families across California. Contributions support:
When you give, you help ensure mental health care is accessible, affirming and responsive to the realities of Black life in California.
Volunteer Your Time
Join a movement that centers community care. Whether you're a mental health professional, advocate, student or someone passionate about wellness, your time and skills are valued. Volunteers help facilitate events, offer expertise and provide essential support that strengthens the impact of our mental health work statewide.
Sponsor an Event
Help us build safe, affirming spaces where Black people can talk about mental health without judgment. By sponsoring one of our events, you support community-driven experiences that:
- Promote mental health awareness and normalize seeking support
- Provide culturally rooted tools for emotional wellness and stress management
- Connect community members with Black therapists, healers and wellness practitioners
- Foster healing from racial trauma, intergenerational stress and systemic inequities
Partner with Us
We welcome partnerships with organizations, health systems, and community groups that share our commitment to mental health equity. Collaborate with us to co-create:
- Culturally specific workshops, campaigns or healing circles
- Community outreach efforts that increase access to Black mental health professionals
- Initiatives that center the voices and lived experiences of Black Californians in wellness planning
Donate
Your donations fuel our ability to deliver free or low-cost mental health programming to Black individuals and families across California. Contributions support:
- Peer-led support groups and healing circles
- Mental health education and advocacy campaigns
- Trainings for community members to recognize and respond to mental health needs
- Direct connections to culturally affirming care
When you give, you help ensure mental health care is accessible, affirming and responsive to the realities of Black life in California.
Volunteer Your Time
Join a movement that centers community care. Whether you're a mental health professional, advocate, student or someone passionate about wellness, your time and skills are valued. Volunteers help facilitate events, offer expertise and provide essential support that strengthens the impact of our mental health work statewide.
Former CABWHP mental health projects
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CABWHP launched its Black Women’s Mental Health Initiative more than a decade ago. The following policy recommendations, with respect to mental and emotional health, were outlined in the findings of the California Black Women's Health Survey of 2000-2001:
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"It Takes Courage to Ask for Help" |
