For many seeking mental health services, finding the right therapist is key.
But, that can be a tough task when only 4% of therapists in the United States are African American, and only 1% are African American males.
That’s why Wellpoint Care Network, a community-facing human services organization based in Milwaukee, is excited to announce we will be hosting “The 1% Panel: Black Men in Mental Health.”
It will be held on our Campus — 8901 W. Capitol Drive — on Thursday, February 8, from 5 to 7 p.m. This is the third installment of our ongoing series on representation in mental health.
“We want to focus on the groups who are least supported within the city of Milwaukee,” said Alex Williams, Director of Community Engagement at Wellpoint Care Network.
“The groups that tend to have the highest incarceration rates or who have higher dropout rates. We really want to get to the root of what is happening in the young black community and be able to help.”
Panelists include LaNelle Ramey of MENTOR Greater Milwaukee, Montreal Cain of MERA Cares, Officer Dominique Thompson of the Milwaukee Police Department, Kenneth Ginlack of Serenity Inns, and more.
“This panel is focused on young black men in the community and the therapists and mental health professionals who most relate to them, who represent their demographic, who represent their struggles,” added Williams.
Though we would love to see young black men in the audience, everyone in the community is encouraged to attend.
“Teachers, social workers, parents all need education to help them support the mental health of the children, youth and families in their care,” said Williams.
“It’s why we offer various trainings and educations for the community all focused on Trauma Informed Care. We all encounter and know someone who has experienced trauma, so we want to be able to support them and support each other.
While this panel is focused on young black men, it is not exclusively for them.
If you have children in your life, we want to be able to give you the tools and resources to help, and introduce you to the people in the community who are also willing to help.”
If you are a member of the media and would like to attend the panel, please RSVP to Rachel Frye at [email protected]. Interviews will be available following the conclusion of the panel discussion.