Mental Health

Mental and emotional health are essential to the holistic wellbeing of our communities. Rafiki offers free community mental health services to children, adults, and families. We acknowledge the generational traumas that have impacted the bodies, psyches, and mobility of the Black & African American community and center these experiences to provide culturally informed care through interdisciplinary modalities of therapy and counseling.

At Rafiki, we are committed to supporting mental well-being through comprehensive, culturally informed care. We recognize the impact of generational trauma, display compassion in our communications, and create safe, empowering environments. Through this, we strive to provide mental health care that respects the unique experiences of the Black & African American community, supporting healing and resilience.

Our mental health services honor cultural practices, emphasize representation among care providers, and promote community-focused support.

They include:

• Counseling
• Referrals to Specialized Services
• Group Therapy
• Support Circles

A unique support group where mothers with older children support those who are currently pregnant or up to 3 years postpartum. This group offers a mix of mental health education, sisterhood, storytelling, and community care. Each session includes grounding practices, meaningful discussions, healing activities, nutritious meals, and more! 

When: Thursdays, March 5th – May 7th, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM. 

For mothers and their co-parents during pregnancy or with children up to 3 years old. This is a space for parents to learn how to navigate the early stages of parenthood, work together as a team, and preserve their mental health. Co-parents will be provided with mental health education and counseling services to help them grow as people and parents. Childcare will also be available for those in attendance.  

When: Wednesdays, February 25th – April 1st, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. 

For mothers from pregnancy through 3 years postpartum. This program combines fellowship and mental health support and is dedicated to helping expecting, new, and experienced moms navigate the joys and challenges of parenting. This group is led by Pia Odom, Associate Marriage & Family Therapist #150656. 

When: Every Tuesday, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. 

For fathers of partners receiving Rafiki services (pregnancy through 3 years postpartum). 

Through Reclaiming Wellness, we create a welcoming space for our community's mental health journeys. Our Mental Health Spotlight Series brings expert practitioners to guide sessions and educate the community in creative, interactive ways. From engaging mental health discussions to healing circles to creative wellness events and more, our goal is to provide practical tools to improve mental health, foster resilience, promote holistic wellness, and help our community reclaim wellness. Reclaiming wellness is about giving our community the tools needed to overcome trauma using methods that promote holistic wellbeing and address the trauma at its root. These sessions are more than just workshops; they are a chance to break bread with your community, heal together, and learn directly from Black mental health experts.