Mental Health Support
Soothe Your Nerves Anxiety Support Groups
Soothe Your Nerves is a no-cost virtual anxiety support group that draws upon the strength, courage, and culture found in Black Women’s friendship networks. We have adapted this support group from the Soothe Your Nerves book and curriculum that was created by a Black psychologist; Dr. Angela Neal-Barnett, to provide Black women with a space to speak their truth, to be heard, embraced, and received in a loving, relatable way that supports, encourages, and empowers. Our current Soothe Your Nerves Anxiety Support Groups are led by Starla Simmons, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and mom of two, along with, Itania Njei a new mom and doula in training.
The Soothe Your Nerves Anxiety Support Group application is now open.
- Black pregnant and postpartum (up to 18 months) community members are eligiable
- Active participants also get 8 sponsored individual therapy sessions with Black therapists
- The opening and closing sessions are in-person.
- Childcare is provided at in-person sessions.
Apply for the upcoming Soothe Your Nerves Anxiety Support Group Here
Sponsored Therapy
Black Mamas ATX sponsors confidential psychotherapy & counseling with Black therapists for: trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, parenting & relationships, family dynamics, intimate partner violence, spirituality and other concerns. This therapy is available to all Black Mamas ATX clients and to Black clients of other Maternal Health Equity Collaborative (MHEC) organizations, including:
- Healing Hands Community Birthing Project
- Giving Austin Labor Support
- Mama Sana Vibrant Woman
- Partners In Parenting
The sponsored therapy program is part of a collaborative project called Healthy Start Central Texas. It is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $1,100,000 with 0% financed with non-governmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit HRSA.gov.
Resources & Downloads
Brochures
Prenatal Care Tips
Benefits of Doulas
Reading
Black Mamas Community Collective aims to lower risks for black mothers
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Dozens of women die from pregnancy or delivery complications every year across the state and black mothers are twice as likely to die than other women. According to 2012 data from the state's task force on maternal mortality, about 28 black mothers...
Group Calls for Legislative Action to Address Texas’ High Maternal Mortality Rate for Black Women
Black Mamas Community Collective says, “We must do better.” by Alex Puente, The Austin Chronicle Roughly 700 women in the United States die each year from pregnancy-related complications, according to the Center for Disease Control. But black women, in particular,...
Fabulously Fit
A little exercise is proven to get your endorphins up, which helps increases your mood. Here are some fun exercises that moms can shake and groove to with your babies! Read here for more information for fun and exciting exercises moms can do.