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

Rafiki’s Summer Youth Enrichment Program is a transformative initiative aimed at inspiring, educating, and empowering young minds. Led by our mental wellness department, the program is open to students aged 8-18, giving them the opportunity to learn a range of subjects from robotics to creative writing. Participants develop essential skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, leadership, and teamwork and leave with a stronger sense of identity, improved confidence, and a portfolio of creative and academic accomplishments.

Our S-E-L-F (Self-Empowerment, Leadership, and Fulfillment) Men’s Program equips participants with tools for self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and stress management while enhancing communication, decision-making, and conflict resolution skills. Practical workshops cover financial literacy, time management, and career development, alongside mental health education to promote well-being and destigmatize seeking help. The program offers a supportive space empowering men to navigate challenges, strengthen connections, and achieve personal and communal growth.

Our Black Mamas Wellness Group is offered periodically and provides a supportive and empowering program for new Black & African American mothers seeking mental and emotional support, community connection, and strategies to balance self-care with the demands of motherhood. Through group discussions, shared experiences, and wellness practices, this special series provides a safe space for moms to navigate the joys and challenges of parenting while prioritizing their own well-being. The workshop aims to provide a nurturing space for mothers to feel seen, heard, and uplifted in their unique journey.

We recognize that violence and mental health issues have a significant impact on health. Our workshops and support groups help people recognize and deal with personal trauma and social injustice, so they can begin to heal their minds, bodies, and spirits.