Black Girls SmileTherapy Assistance
We help remove financial and systemic barriers to mental health care by connecting participants to culturally responsive therapy and mental health resources.
Young people and young adults who identify as Black/African American and femme, navigating mental health challenges who may otherwise be unable to access care
From blackgirlssmile.org/therapy-assistance-program ↗About this program
The Charlyne McFarland Therapy Assistance Program was launched in 2020 to help remove financial and systemic barriers to mental health care.
Through this program, Black Girls Smile connects young people and young adults ages 13–26 to culturally responsive, racially affirming, and gender-responsive licensed mental health providers, offering short-term financial assistance to support consistent access to therapy.
The program is designed to support individuals navigating mental health challenges who may otherwise be unable to access care.
We accept requests from individuals identifying as Black/African American and femme (including pronouns she/her/hers and they/their/theirs).
Participants accepted into the program receive: Financial support for approximately 2–6 months of therapy. The option to work with: A current licensed provider, A provider from Black Girls Smile’s vetted referral list, A provider through partner networks such as Open Path Collective or Sol health. Support navigating the therapy process with care and dignity.
Due to limited funding and high demand, the Therapy Assistance Program currently has a waitlist of over 500 youth and young adults nationwide seeking support.
Questions
Who can request support from the program?
We accept requests from individuals identifying as Black/African American and femme (including pronouns she/her/hers and they/their/theirs).
What do participants accepted into the program receive?
Financial support for approximately 2–6 months of therapy. The option to work with: A current licensed provider, A provider from Black Girls Smile’s vetted referral list, A provider through partner networks such as Open Path Collective or Sol health. Support navigating the therapy process with care and dignity.
Is there a waitlist for the program?
Due to limited funding and high demand, the Therapy Assistance Program currently has a waitlist of over 500 youth and young adults nationwide seeking support.
What age range does the program serve?
Black Girls Smile connects young people and young adults ages 13–26 to culturally responsive, racially affirming, and gender-responsive licensed mental health providers, offering short-term financial assistance to support consistent access to therapy.
Details
- Who
- Young people and young adults who identify as Black/African American and femme, navigating mental health challenges who may otherwise be unable to access care
- Ages
- 13–26
Run by
School-Based ProgrammingWe partner with schools and youth-serving organizations to provide prevention-focused, culturally responsive mental health programming for students, caregivers, and educators.
Community Events & ActivationsFREEOur community-based events create spaces for collective healing, reflection, and connection. Through workshops, wellness activations, and gatherings, we bring mental wellness into accessible, affirming environments, centering joy, creativity, and shared experience.
Support GroupsWe host monthly support groups, both in-person and virtual, that center healing through shared experience and community care.