Take a minute to think over the emotions you’ve experienced over the past few months as we have truly started to call attention to the racial injustice throughout our city, state, and country. Anger? Exhaustion? Anxiety? Loneliness? Hopelessness? For many people, these feelings extend well beyond just the past few months. These feelings are valid, and they’re hard. Therapists for Protester Wellness is an organization founded by Millicent Cahoon, and they have made themselves available to help individuals process and cope with these feelings, along with providing services to those in need.
I had the privilege of speaking with Millicent, who provided me with more information on what services her organization provides, and how to get connected with these services.
What services does Therapists for Protester Wellness offer?
Therapists for Protester Wellness is made up of over 90 mental health professionals including case managers, therapists, and nurse practitioners. Therapists of all disciplines are available to provide crisis counseling on the spot, and private rooms are provided at local churches. Therapists can also connect individuals to ongoing services that can begin as soon as the following day.
Case management services include but are not limited to assisting anyone who is out of work, struggling to pay bills or medical costs, or needing insurance.
Group therapy services are also provided to organizations if requested.
Services are provided free of charge and no one is turned away. Therapists can assist with working with insurance providers to cover the cost of ongoing services.
All services are confidential, even a brief conversation.
Who is providing these services?
Black mental health professionals and allies provide all services. Black individuals seeking services will receive top priority when requesting a Black therapist.
All mental health professionals involved in Therapists for Protester Wellness share the same beliefs and values as the individuals seeking services. Many are heavily involved in the Black Lives Matter movement.
How can individuals get connected with services?
Therapists for Protester Wellness has a table set up every day at Jefferson Square Park. Individuals can walk up and receive services on the spot. They also have a Facebook page that provides ways of getting connected with a mental health professional, as well as ways to help support the group.
If you are in need of immediate services, you can call the 24/7 hotline at 502-414-5205, or text wellnesslou to 31996.
Millicent also provided some suggestions to anyone who may be struggling with difficult emotions and a sense of hopelessness.
- Know that your feelings are valid.
- Take time to breath and ground yourself
- Visit with supportive family and friends
- Know that even with the results of the Breonna Taylor case, there is still work that can be done. Don’t give up. Reach out to Therapists for Protester Wellness to learn what your next steps can be.
A huge thank you to Millicent Cahoon and the Therapists for Protester Wellness organization for providing this information.