New Age Trailblazers of Healing

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, it’s important to recognize and honor the incredible contributions of women who have shaped the mental health field—especially women of color. Throughout history, these women have fought to break barriers, challenge stigmas, and create spaces for healing that are culturally relevant and inclusive. While the conversation around mental health has evolved significantly in recent years, much of this progress is built on the foundation laid by these pioneers who have worked tirelessly to ensure that mental health care is accessible to everyone, no matter their race, ethnicity, or background.

For too long, mental health narratives have been shaped by a narrow lens, often overlooking the cultural complexities and systemic challenges faced by marginalized communities. Women of color in mental health are changing this by bringing lived experience, community-driven approaches, and culturally competent care to the forefront.

Breaking Barriers in the Field

Despite the essential work they do, women of color in mental health have historically faced significant barriers—underrepresentation in psychology and psychiatry, systemic biases in medical and academic institutions, and cultural stigmas around seeking therapy. Yet, these trailblazers continue to pave the way, offering representation and healing to communities that have long been overlooked.

From clinical psychologists to social workers, wellness coaches to grassroots activists, these women are reshaping the mental health field with a focus on inclusivity, accessibility, and culturally responsive care.

Pioneers and Changemakers

Dr. Joy Harden Bradford – Making Therapy Accessible and Relatable

Dr. Joy Harden Bradford is a psychologist and the founder of Therapy for Black Girls, a platform that has revolutionized the way Black women access mental health resources. Through her podcast, online community, and therapist directory, Dr. Bradford has created a space where mental health is discussed openly, without stigma, and with cultural relevance.

Her work is a reminder that representation in mental health care matters—when people see therapists who understand their lived experiences, they are more likely to seek help and feel safe in the process.

Dr. Thema Bryant – Integrating Culture and Healing

Dr. Thema Bryant, president of the American Psychological Association, is a clinical psychologist, minister, and trauma expert who seamlessly weaves spirituality, social justice, and cultural awareness into mental health conversations. Her work focuses on healing from racial trauma, empowering women, and addressing the intersectionality of oppression and mental wellness.

She is known for her ability to blend psychological insight with practical, everyday wisdom, making healing accessible to those who may not have traditional access to therapy.

Dr. Gwendolyn Keita – Advocating for Workplace Mental Health

As a past executive director of the American Psychological Association’s Public Interest Directorate, Dr. Keita has worked to address mental health in workplaces, particularly for marginalized communities. Her research and advocacy emphasize how workplace culture affects mental well-being and how systemic change is necessary to create healthier, more equitable environments.

Sahaj Kohli – Championing Mental Health in Immigrant Communities

As the founder of Brown Girl Therapy, Sahaj Kohli has created a platform dedicated to the unique mental health needs of first- and second-generation immigrants. Her work highlights the struggles of bicultural identity, intergenerational trauma, and the pressures of navigating Western mental health frameworks while honoring cultural traditions.

By normalizing these conversations, she is helping immigrant communities find healing without feeling the need to abandon their heritage.

Nedra Glover Tawwab – Setting Boundaries and Cultivating Emotional Well-Being

Nedra Glover Tawwab, a licensed therapist, author, and relationship expert, has been a pioneering voice in advocating for emotional boundaries and mental well-being. Her best-selling book Set Boundaries, Find Peace offers actionable advice on how setting clear boundaries in relationships—personal and professional—can improve overall emotional health.

Her work centers on helping people understand the critical role boundaries play in protecting mental and emotional energy, especially for individuals from marginalized communities who often face pressures related to race, culture, and identity. Tawwab’s approach blends therapeutic wisdom with practical, everyday strategies to help individuals take charge of their mental health.

Why Representation Matters in Mental Health

For many people of color, traditional therapy models don’t always address the specific cultural, historical, and systemic factors that impact their mental health. Women of color in the mental health field bring a unique and necessary perspective, ensuring that healing practices are not just effective, but also affirming and inclusive.

Representation in mental health matters because it:
💡 Reduces stigma by normalizing therapy in communities where it has been historically taboo.
🌱 Creates culturally competent care that acknowledges systemic oppression and intergenerational trauma.
🤝🏾 Builds trust between mental health professionals and communities that have been underserved or misunderstood.
💬 Expands the conversation beyond Western therapy models, incorporating holistic and ancestral healing practices.

Supporting and Uplifting Their Work

Women of color in mental health are doing groundbreaking work, but they can’t do it alone. Supporting their efforts can look like:
🔹 Seeking out and amplifying their books, podcasts, and research.
🔹 Advocating for mental health funding and policies that prioritize marginalized communities.
🔹 Donating to organizations that provide mental health resources for communities of color.
🔹 Encouraging open conversations about mental health within families and cultural spaces.

Honoring Their Legacy by Prioritizing Your Own Healing

The work of these pioneers is not just about changing the field of mental health—it’s about ensuring that healing is available to everyone. One of the best ways to honor their legacy is to take steps toward your own mental well-being, whether that means seeking therapy, setting boundaries, or exploring culturally affirming wellness practices.

Mental health is not a luxury—it is a right. Thanks to the women of color leading the charge, more people can now access the care, representation, and resources they deserve.

Who are the women of color in mental health that have inspired you? Let’s continue uplifting their work and creating spaces where healing is truly for everyone. 💛✨