02/02/2026
February is Black History Month.
Mental health care would not be where it is today without the contributions of Black psychologists, advocates, and researchers who have fought to expand our understanding of trauma, resilience, and identity.
This Black History Month, we honor the remarkable legacies of:
✨ Dr. Beverly Greene – A leading voice in intersectional psychology, Dr. Greene has illuminated the ways in which race, gender, and sexuality impact mental health, advocating for more inclusive and affirming therapeutic spaces.
✨ Dr. Kenneth B. Clark – A psychologist whose pioneering research on the psychological effects of segregation in children was instrumental in the Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court case. His work challenged systemic racism and proved that mental health is deeply connected to social justice.
✨ Dr. Joy DeGruy – A researcher and author who brought awareness to Post-Traumatic Slave Syndrome (PTSS)—the intergenerational impact of slavery and systemic oppression on Black communities. Her work has helped reframe the conversation on racial trauma, healing, and empowerment.
✨ Dr. Mamie Phipps Clark – A visionary psychologist whose famous “doll test” exposed the damaging effects of racism on Black children’s self-worth, fueling the fight for desegregation and equity in education and mental health care.
Black individuals are still underrepresented in mental health professions, and systemic barriers continue to make it harder for Black communities to access quality care.
The work of these pioneers is not just history—it’s a call to action.
At Tides Counseling and Wellness, we are committed to carrying their legacies forward by:
✔️ Providing culturally competent care that acknowledges the impact of racism and intergenerational trauma.
✔️ Advocating for mental health accessibility and inclusion.
✔️ Creating a space where Black clients feel safe, seen, and heard.
Who are other Black mental health pioneers who have inspired you?
