Communities We Serve

We honor the diverse experiences, cultures, and perspectives across the Black Diaspora. The communities listed here highlight some of the groups we support, though this list is neither exhaustive nor exclusive.

Black & Queer Communities

Understanding Black Queer Mental Health

Black queer communities face unique challenges at the intersection of race, sexuality, and societal expectations. There is a unique intersection of minority status as both Black and queer, coupled with other potential statuses of privilege (i.e., education, gender, economic status), which can profoundly influence identity challenges and can lead to prolonged psychological distress.These compounded pressures require specialized support that understands the full spectrum of your identity.

Common Issues and Manifestations

Issues of well-being for Black queer community members can often arise from experiences of discrimination, internalized stigma, enacted stigma, societal pressures, isolation from religious institutions, and familial rejection compounded by the day to day stressors experienced by majority populations. These issues might manifest as feelings of shame, low self-worth, social isolation, or difficulties in forming and maintaining relationships.

Our Approach

Eye In Me offers culturally humble care tailored specifically to the needs of Black gay men. Our therapists provide a safe and affirming space to explore your identity, navigate discrimination, and build self efficacy. We support you in accessing and asserting your power in a healthy way, achieving self-acceptance, developing healthy relationships, and enhancing your overall mental wellness.

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Connect with a practitioner whose expertise aligns with your needs.

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Kevin Carter, MSW

(He/Him)

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Walter Stamp, PhD

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Shatiea Blount, DSocSci

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Youth and Young Adults

Understanding Youth and Young Adult Mental Health

For young people, school, family, relationships, and growing up mean constant, huge changes. These moments are key to who they'll become. They need someone to talk to, someone who really gets it, who validates their struggles and sees them as real, not just a passing phase.

Common Issues and Manifestations

Today's youth grapple with immense pressure from academics, future planning, societal expectations, relationships, and the journey of self-discovery. Navigating these challenges solo can be overwhelming, often resulting in anxiety, feelings of isolation, withdrawal, overthinking, burnout, or a sense of being trapped.

Our Approach

We build trusting relationships with youth by actively listening and accepting them without judgment. Our goal is to create a safe space where they feel comfortable receiving support. We equip them with practical coping, decision-making, and communication skills, empowering them to navigate their youth and transition safely into early adulthood.

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Connect with a practitioner whose expertise aligns with your needs.

Kevin Carter, MSW

(He/Him)

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African & West Indian Cultures

Understanding African & West Indian Mental Health

In the United States, African and West Indian communities are often grouped together with African Americans, but this oversimplification overlooks important cultural, ethnic, and historical differences. While these communities share racial similarities, each has its own traditions, values, and lived experiences that deserve recognition and celebration. Mental health within these communities is shaped by navigating acculturation, facing systemic racism, and coming from cultures where mental health infrastructure is often informal or community-based. Stigma around mental health is common, and therapy is frequently associated only with severe psychiatric illness. Additionally, many stressors are normalized or expected, making it difficult for individuals to recognize when support could be helpful.

Common Issues and Manifestations

Within these communities, certain patterns and experiences frequently emerge. From childhood, individuals may learn to silence their emotions, with large feelings discouraged or dismissed. There is often pressure to achieve and excel, influenced by family expectations, birth order, or gender roles. Guilt, shame, and gratitude can become pillars that shape behavior and emotional expression. Family values may conflict with Western societal norms, creating tension in navigating personal identity and aspirations.

Many also experience the compounded effects of racism, classism, tribalism, and xenophobia, alongside the challenge of feeling they cannot fully step into adulthood while balancing parental expectations. Even with significant achievements, some struggle with communication, reconciling “what should be” with “what is,” or processing complex feelings toward family members; simultaneously feeling resentment, protection, and gratitude. These experiences are deeply rooted in cultural context, highlighting the importance of culturally responsive mental health support.

Our Approach

We begin with respect, recognizing that trust is the foundation of effective therapeutic work. Culture is living, breathing, and evolving, and our approach honors it rather than treating it as something “wrong” or problematic. We approach each client with curiosity and openness, exploring their unique cultural background and family dynamics.

Our work integrates clients’ values, traditions, and lived experiences, framing therapy in a strengths-based way that acknowledges resilience alongside challenges. We provide trauma-informed care that accounts for historical, intergenerational, and systemic stressors, while collaboratively supporting clients in balancing cultural expectations with personal growth and well-being. By fostering safe spaces for emotional expression, addressing stigma, and guiding clients in navigating identity and family relationships, we aim to provide mental health care that is culturally responsive, empowering, and affirming.

Find a Practitioner

Connect with a practitioner whose expertise aligns with your needs.

Walter Stamp, PhD

(He/Him)

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Shatiea Blount, DSocSci

(She/Her)

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Black-Adjacent Community Members

Understanding Black-Adjacent Mental Health

Being part of the Black adjacent community means you share cultural ties and experiences with Black individuals. Black adjacent community members are non-Black individuals who are intricately connected to Black communities through marriage, family, or professional involvement. You may have Black family members, Black children, work in predominantly Black spaces, or serve predominantly Black communities, often holding influence within these contexts.

Common Issues and Manifestations

Black adjacent individuals may face unique challenges related to multiculturalism, privilege, oppression, and identity. In this context, psychological distress can manifest as feelings of isolation or guilt associated with your identity or anger that identity is a point of discussion. Additionally, personal stressors related to family, work, and life experiences may affect you and your impact on Black communities, despite your positive intentions. This distinction between intention and impact is crucial, as actions may inadvertently cause harm or tension.

Our Approach

Our therapists are trained to understand and address the complex and nuanced dynamics faced by Black adjacent community members. We provide personalized, direct, and empathetic support to help you navigate these challenges, fostering a therapeutic environment where your identity and experiences are acknowledged, respected, and sometimes challenged. Our goal is to support you in managing personal stressors, understanding your role and impact within your communities of influence, and promoting mental and emotional well-being.

Eye In Me is dedicated to creating easy access to culturally responsive therapy for Black people and adjacent communities. Our mission is to create easy access to culturally responsive therapy for Black people and adjacent communities, promoting its use for prevention, treatment, and some emergencies. Our staff are not just professionals; they are allies who walk with you on your path to mental wellness. Let us help you navigate life’s challenges with strength, balance, and a renewed sense of hope.

Find a Practitioner

Connect with a practitioner whose expertise aligns with your needs.

Kevin Carter, MSW

(He/Him)

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Walter Stamp, PhD

(He/Him)

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Shatiea Blount, DSocSci

(She/Her)

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The program served as a powerful validation for the work I had already accomplished in building my practice. It provided additional information and guidance for the next steps, complementing what I had already learned. The program helped me realize my own progress. The process helped me recognize that I’ve successfully navigated much of this journey, and it highlighted areas where I can further refine and set goals. Overall, a valuable and insightful growth experience.

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Aisha Tyehimba

LPC

Healing Matters, LLC

Shatiea has been my supervisor and mentor since 2010 and through the years she has demonstrated professionalism, dedication to her career and passion for helping others.

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Arsha Knowles

I’m so grateful for my experience in Eye In Me’s PP Doula Program. When I first started, I knew I wanted to start my own private practice but felt overwhelmed by all the steps involved. Shatiea provided such a supportive community where we could learn from each other. Her flexibility and availability to meet one-on-one was so helpful when I had specific questions. The program gave me the confidence to take the leap and leave my job to focus fully on my business.

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Dr. Jessica Hughes

LPC

Conscious Reflections Therapy

Communities We Serve

Black & Queer Communities

Understanding Black Queer Mental Health

Common Issues and Manifestations

Our Approach

Find a Practitioner

Kevin Carter, MSW

Walter Stamp, PhD

Shatiea Blount, DSocSci

Youth and Young Adults

Understanding Youth and Young Adult Mental Health

Common Issues and Manifestations

Our Approach

Find a Practitioner

Kevin Carter, MSW

African & West Indian Cultures

Understanding African & West Indian Mental Health

Common Issues and Manifestations

Our Approach

Find a Practitioner

Walter Stamp, PhD

Shatiea Blount, DSocSci

Black-Adjacent Community Members

Understanding Black-Adjacent Mental Health

Common Issues and Manifestations

Our Approach

Find a Practitioner

Kevin Carter, MSW

Walter Stamp, PhD

Shatiea Blount, DSocSci

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