The Black Girls Mental Health Foundation (BGMHF) bridges critical gaps in maternal mental health care for Black and Brown women and birthing individuals by providing culturally-informed therapy, perinatal mental health education, and wearable tools to enhance well-being and reduce risks of postpartum depression, anxiety, and pregnancy-related death. Through our workforce development initiatives—including perinatal mental health training for providers and our Clinical Birthworker Initiative, which trains social workers to become dual-certified mental health clinicians and doulas—we are building a culturally responsive care system rooted in lived experience and community trust. Our mission is to ensure that every Black birthing person has access to the affirming, trauma-informed care they deserve—during pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond.

Our vision is a world where Black girls and women are empowered to thrive mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, free from the stigma of mental health challenges. We strive to create a society where culturally affirming and accessible mental health care is the norm, and where the mental well-being of Black girls and women is prioritized, respected, and supported. We envision a future where systemic barriers to mental health care are dismantled, and every Black girl and woman has access to resources, communities, and services that promote healing, resilience, and self-empowerment. Through our work, we aim to build a legacy of mental health equity, awareness, and advocacy that transforms lives and uplifts generations.

Goal One: By December 2026, BGMHF will expand the BIRTH Network nationwide to connect 250 Black and Brown birthing individuals with 12 free, culturally affirming therapy sessions each—totaling 3,000 sessions—through at least 10 new provider partnerships and digital tools that ensure inclusive, trauma-informed care.

Goal Two: By December 2026, BGMHF will strengthen its infrastructure by training 250 providers—including doulas, lactation consultants, therapists, medical professionals, and students—using its internal perinatal mental health curriculum focused on culturally responsive, trauma-informed care for Black birthing populations, alongside investments in staff, tech, and data system

Goal Three: By December 2026, BGMHF will train 10 MSW interns through the Clinical Birthworker Program, providing 192 hours of clinical supervision, a perinatal mental health specialization, and sponsoring both lactation education and doula certification to build a pipeline of culturally responsive, dual-trained providers serving Black birthing populations.