>>Watch the full story in the video player aboveA group of Central Florida women who used to work in a variety of professions joined forces as they pivoted careers. They are part of a group called the Brown Sugar Clinicians.The women work together to erase the stigma surrounding mental wellness in the minority community, while uplifting each other and challenging generational stigma.The group first formed in 2024. Lynne Kelly, a founding member of the Brown Sugar Clinicians, said, “I knew that this could be something that could be really, really huge because we could lean on each other and we needed that in the field.”Monica Campbell, another member, emphasized the importance of the group, saying, “It’s a community because we all come with different backgrounds and in mental wellness. Some are psychologists, social workers. Some are the schoolteachers, clinicians.”The group is committed to changing the narrative around mental health, especially in the Black community, where talking about mental health issues has historically been discouraged. “Growing up back in the day, you weren’t allowed to talk about mental health issues. You weren’t allowed to talk about any issues,” Kelly said.”You don’t tell your business, you don’t share, and you basically are held hostage to your situation or your circumstances,” Campbell said.Data from the Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health shows that only one in three Black adults struggling with mental wellness actually receives treatment. “A lot of times, until you break free of that foundation through seeking resources, you just don’t know. You don’t know what you don’t know,” Campbell noted.Experts attribute barriers such as socioeconomic factors to the resistance in seeking help. In 2020, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that a little more than 10 percent of Black adults had no form of health insurance, making therapy expensive. However, the Brown Sugar Clinicians are determined to make mental health care accessible. “A lot of clinicians are able to do the sliding scale, which I’ve elected to do, because again, I’m in this because it’s a passion,” Campbell said. “So, when you know that person really needs it, sometimes just giving them that, that free consultation and then making a sliding scale, working out a payment plan with the person, is a good way to help that person, because they need that help.”Another challenge is the lack of representation in the field. The American Psychological Association reports that only about 4 percent of clinicians are African American. “It’s sad. We really need more African American clinicians, more diversity in the field,” Kelly said.Despite these challenges, the Brown Sugar Clinicians are proud of the progress they are making. They actively participate in community events across Central Florida, encouraging people to embrace their mental wellness. “The key is don’t feel shame. Nothing is too small to be worked on,” Campbell said.”It’s time. Get it up and out. We want you to live a healthy, happy, prosperous life,” Kelly added.Anyone interested in finding a therapist can use Psychology Today.The website lists verified clinicians, with their bios and their specialties.

CENTRAL FLORIDA, USA —

>>Watch the full story in the video player above

A group of Central Florida women who used to work in a variety of professions joined forces as they pivoted careers. They are part of a group called the Brown Sugar Clinicians.

The women work together to erase the stigma surrounding mental wellness in the minority community, while uplifting each other and challenging generational stigma.

The group first formed in 2024.

Lynne Kelly, a founding member of the Brown Sugar Clinicians, said, “I knew that this could be something that could be really, really huge because we could lean on each other and we needed that in the field.”

Monica Campbell, another member, emphasized the importance of the group, saying, “It’s a community because we all come with different backgrounds and in mental wellness. Some are psychologists, social workers. Some are the schoolteachers, clinicians.”

The group is committed to changing the narrative around mental health, especially in the Black community, where talking about mental health issues has historically been discouraged.

“Growing up back in the day, you weren’t allowed to talk about mental health issues. You weren’t allowed to talk about any issues,” Kelly said.

“You don’t tell your business, you don’t share, and you basically are held hostage to your situation or your circumstances,” Campbell said.

Data from the Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health shows that only one in three Black adults struggling with mental wellness actually receives treatment.

“A lot of times, until you break free of that foundation through seeking resources, you just don’t know. You don’t know what you don’t know,” Campbell noted.

Experts attribute barriers such as socioeconomic factors to the resistance in seeking help. In 2020, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that a little more than 10 percent of Black adults had no form of health insurance, making therapy expensive.

However, the Brown Sugar Clinicians are determined to make mental health care accessible.

“A lot of clinicians are able to do the sliding scale, which I’ve elected to do, because again, I’m in this because it’s a passion,” Campbell said.

“So, when you know that person really needs it, sometimes just giving them that, that free consultation and then making a sliding scale, working out a payment plan with the person, is a good way to help that person, because they need that help.”

Another challenge is the lack of representation in the field. The American Psychological Association reports that only about 4 percent of clinicians are African American.

“It’s sad. We really need more African American clinicians, more diversity in the field,” Kelly said.

Despite these challenges, the Brown Sugar Clinicians are proud of the progress they are making. They actively participate in community events across Central Florida, encouraging people to embrace their mental wellness.

“The key is don’t feel shame. Nothing is too small to be worked on,” Campbell said.

“It’s time. Get it up and out. We want you to live a healthy, happy, prosperous life,” Kelly added.

Anyone interested in finding a therapist can use Psychology Today.

The website lists verified clinicians, with their bios and their specialties.