Psyches of Color, Inc. is a grassroots nonprofit that uses strengths-based and culturally grounded approaches to support at-promise Black and Latinx adolescents and young adults. Our mission is to decrease mental health stigma, promote radical healing, and help youth become agents in their own mental health while developing a sustainable pipeline of future Black and Latinx mental health professionals through training, leadership development, and research pathways.
The POC Research Lab was established in Spring 2023. The Lab follows the principles of the Psyches of Color, Inc.. nonprofit, whose goal is to destigmatize mental health in Black and Latinx communities and promote radical healing. We conduct community-based participatory research and are committed to ensuring we bridge the gap between academia and the community.
It is imperative for youth to have healthy outlets to release and process intense emotions. Our workshops center on creative expression through journaling, music creation (such as hip-hop and rapping), storytelling, and other forms of art. This positive youth development group provides a supportive space where young people can share their voices, validate one another’s experiences, and uplift each other while building confidence, creativity, and emotional awareness.
Black and Latinx youth are lacking guidance and direction. Mentoring POC Healing Arts connects adolescents and young adults to other community members who can guide them on personal, education/career, and mental health related goals. POC integrates art, mentoring, mental health, and culture to this program. Mentoring POC exposes Black and Latinx youth to mental health tools through mental health workshops that are inspired by the artwork that local artists share in their artists workshops in addition to the one-on-one individualized mentoring sessions.
Penpal POC connects system-impacted people of color with others in the community through the power of writing. The program creates space for progressive conversations about life beyond direct or indirect system involvement, where direct system impact refers to individuals who have personally experienced the effects of these systems. Through culturally relevant topic prompts, participants engage in meaningful dialogue, share their lived experiences, and build connections rooted in understanding and solidarity. The program also encourages participants to reflect, imagine new possibilities, and advocate for opportunities to reform systems that have impacted their communities.
Family members need support too. We believe that in order to holistically support youth, the entire family unit must be supported. Our groups are designed for family members of Black and Latinx adolescents and young adults ages 13–25, while simultaneously providing mental health education, resources, and space for reflection. These groups help family members better understand mental health, strengthen communication, and build supportive environments that promote healing and growth for everyone involved. Family members of any age are welcome to participate.
The POC Research Lab was established in Spring 2023 and operates under the principles of Psyches of Color, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to destigmatizing mental health in Black and Latinx communities while promoting radical healing. The Lab engages in community-based participatory research, centering the voices and lived experiences of the communities we serve. Our work is grounded in the commitment to bridge the gap between academia and community by translating research into accessible knowledge, practical tools, and meaningful impact.
Nurturing POC is centered on teen/young adult parents and their babies by 1) providing resources to support their mental wellness related to parenting and provide prevention-based psychoeducation and resources on mental health-related parenting topics from a culturally sensitive framework and 2) reduce feelings of isolation by providing opportunities for teen/young adult parents to connect with others through education/support groups. We encourage all parents to take advantage of our support, especially those who have babies with developmental concerns or “diverse abilities.”
A safe and affirming space where youth can connect with peers in the LGBTQIA+ community and supportive allies. This group centers the experiences of Black and Latinx LGBTQIA+ youth, creating opportunities for open dialogue, self-discovery, and mutual support. Through shared experiences and guided discussions, participants build resilience, develop a stronger sense of identity, and cultivate pride in who they are.
The Black & Brown Mind M.A.T.T.E.R (BBMM) Positive Youth Development (PYD) program provides mental health services, mental health education workshops, and peer support services. This program aims to increase mental health awareness of BIPOC experiences through group activities and peer support while introducing them to advocacy and self-empowerment practices/efforts. The collaborative team of leaders comprises individuals from the Black and Latinx community. This is the only POC program that is not youth-led; however, the facilitators are Black and Latinx mental health professionals. The program’s curriculum is a mix of mental health, hip-hop culture, and Black and Latinx culture. BBMM provides 2-hour workshops for 16 weeks total, twice per year, in a closed group style.
The Psyches of Color Inaugural Wellness Day brought a day of self-love, care, and mental health conversations to the Compton, CA community. Attendees enjoyed free haircuts, braiding, makeup sessions, a comedy show, educational artist workshops, and a DJ, alongside panels and discussions addressing key mental health topics in Black and Latinx communities. The event also featured a powerful keynote speech and free food from local Black- and Latinx-owned restaurants, creating a vibrant space for connection, celebration, and wellness.
The Psyches of Color Fam exudes love, care, and genuine connection. It is a community where people are seen, valued, and supported as their full selves. We create spaces that are safe, brave, and affirming. Spaces where honesty is welcomed, growth is encouraged, and healing can happen in real and meaningful ways. Grounded in respect and cultural humility, the Psyches of Color Fam is affirming, uplifting, and intentional about showing up for one another. It is a community that holds, nurtures, and grows together.
