FAQs

Begin by identifying your specific requirements and preferences. Think of meeting a therapist as “speed dating” think of your personal preferences, identifiers, problems and areas of concerns you want to target and your own personal needs. When conducting a search for a therapist, counselor, or mental health provider. Focus on your needs first and other considerations second. Also it is ok to narrow down your search by aligning the therapist’s marketing materials, bios, and provider listings with your values. In a word does it speak to you? For example: Are you a member of the LGBTQ+ community, would you rather a queer identified counselor, would a well qualified ally be good? Or are you an African American or Latina/Latino/Latin X client looking for an African American, Black or Hispanic provider to deal with racial trauma or provide culturally relevant care. These are all things to consider. Whatever your major concerns are should be the main focus of your initial search. It is ok to make a snap decision based off those things when deciding who to call, or make a consultation request. I won’t judge you for judging me. However, if at first you don’t make a connection I would advise you keep searching until you find the right fit. 

After the pandemic many providers have shifted from in office sessions to online platforms.  But ultimately it is up to you to decide if you want to see a therapist in person, in their office, or one via Telehealth. While each session type has its benefits it is best to consult with the therapist or use your own prior experience to see which would be more beneficial.  Although Telehealth has become a widely accepted practice, it is not always recommended with some diagnosis and age groups. So ask yourself if you have seen a therapist in the past if this method of therapy has been effective, and work with your therapist to decide which would be most appropriate for you. For more on this click here…

Being African American or a member of any marginalized community provides a range of unique experiences. I might be bias but having a culturally relevant provider one who can understand your cultural references, can use their own personal experience as well as professional training in order to assist you in reaching your clinical goals. One of our particular specialties is working with our corporate partners in Fortune 500 companies and Tech industries to provide free support to assist them in conquering issues with racial trauma, breaking generational curses, imposture syndrome, being the fist person in their family to succeed, and building boundaries about money.  While having a black therapist can be a great experience, it is most important having a therapist who has the training to assist you with symptom reduction. Finding someone who has the cultural humility to center your needs and check their privilege, as well as see how the intersectionality of your identity and how you navigate the world could be contributing to your mental health issues. As well as a simple genuine connection made between you and your provider is the most important thing to consider. Although I am a Black therapist who works with a lot of clients of color, and various cultures and ethnicities. I also work with Clients from all cultural back grounds. 

Proactive Mental Wellness is owned an operated by African American/Black providers. We are a New York City and New York State certified Minority Women owned Business Enterprise. With roots in all of the communities we serve. Our office is in the historic Stuyvesant Heights, aka Bedford Stuyvesant. In the district and community where our CEO was raised and educated.  One of the most historic Black neighborhoods second only to Harlem, New York. We have a proven dedication to the community and we will continue to do what we can to improve the quality of health for the members of our community. Within our office we are on a mission of creating an inclusive and culturally sensitive therapeutic environment. This ownership enhances the understanding of diverse experiences, fostering a sense of trust and comfort for clients seeking therapy from a diverse and empathetic perspective.