Lambda Delta Omega Chapter member Ashley Campbell is the creator of RDU Black Therapists, an organization that connects Black folks with Black therapists for the purpose of black therapy. “It is important for the Black community to receive therapy from a culturally competent source, so that we can spend that time in therapy working on healing as opposed to spending time on explaining the black experience,” says Campbell.
The pandemic and the social justice movements of 2020 put the conversation about Black mental health center stage, but according to Campbell, there is much work still to be done to ensure that Black people feel comfortable enough to seek therapy and begin the healing process.
“History has not been kind to Black folks, therefore the hesitation to open and be vulnerable is understandable. That’s why ensuring that Black people obtain therapy from a Black mental health professional is key. What’s understood doesn’t have to be explained and having a Black therapist is just that.”Campbell says that linking Black people with Black therapists allows for greater authentically within the therapeutic atmosphere. It alleviates feelings of having to be the “model minority” or having to provide explanations about their experiences in the world.
Though in high demand over the last year, Black therapists need more resources to aid in completing the mission of breaking the stigma about mental health within the Black community. This is part of RDU’s overall mission in providing resources to therapists that help them complete mandatory continuing education credits.
Based in the Raleigh-Durham area of North Carolina, the organization also works to bring awareness about the therapy career field to high school and college students. It provides mentorship to college students pursuing mental health degrees.
We thank Ashley and RDU Black Therapists for their commitment to this important initiative. Please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments below.
