Black History Month is a time to reflect on legacy — but it is also a time to recognize the leaders who are actively shaping the present and future. In today’s digital world, conversations around mental health are more open, accessible, and community-centered than ever before — in large part because of Black clinicians, advocates, and educators using their voices to expand awareness and reduce stigma.

Through social media platforms, public speaking, research, and advocacy, today’s mental health leaders are reaching audiences far beyond traditional therapy spaces. They are making conversations about emotional wellness more relatable, normalizing help-seeking, and encouraging individuals and families to prioritize care.

This week, we highlight three voices who are expanding mental health access and reshaping how healing is discussed and delivered.

Dr. Ebony Butler, Psy.D. — Normalizing Therapy and Emotional Boundaries

Dr. Ebony Butler is a licensed psychologist and founder of My Therapy Cards®, a tool designed to help individuals build emotional awareness, healthy communication skills, and stronger relationships.

Through her social media presence and professional work, Dr. Butler emphasizes boundary-setting, relational wellness, and emotional literacy. Her approach encourages people to view therapy not as a crisis response, but as a proactive investment in personal growth.

By making therapeutic concepts accessible and practical, Dr. Butler has helped broaden conversations around mental health — reinforcing that care can be empowering, preventative, and rooted in self-understanding.

Dr. Jay Barnett, Psy.D. — Advancing Men’s Mental Health Conversations

Dr. Jay Barnett is a licensed therapist, speaker, and former professional athlete who advocates for mental health awareness — particularly among Black men and boys.

His work focuses on emotional intelligence, vulnerability, and breaking long-standing stigmas around men seeking support. Through public speaking and online engagement, Dr. Barnett challenges the idea that strength and mental health are at odds. Instead, he reframes vulnerability as a powerful and necessary part of wellness.

By creating space for honest dialogue, Dr. Barnett is helping expand access to mental health support for communities that have historically faced barriers to care.

Dr. Raquel Martin, Ph.D. — Making Psychology Accessible

Dr. Raquel Martin is a licensed psychologist and science communicator who uses digital platforms to translate psychological research into culturally relevant, accessible education.

Her work addresses trauma, identity, relationships, and systemic influences on mental health — helping individuals better understand their experiences through a psychological lens. By bridging research and real-world conversation, Dr. Martin makes mental health education approachable and engaging.

Her efforts reflect the growing importance of visibility in behavioral health — when information is accessible, individuals are more likely to seek support and engage in care.

Why Visibility and Access Matter

The work of these leaders reflects an important shift in mental health care. Conversations are moving beyond clinical settings and into communities, schools, workplaces, and digital spaces. When mental health discussions are visible, stigma decreases. When education is accessible, help-seeking increases.

This expansion of awareness is especially important in communities where stigma, misinformation, or limited access have historically created barriers to treatment.

Mental health and substance use recovery are strengthened when individuals feel informed, supported, and understood.

Outreach’s Commitment to Expanding Pathways to Care

At Outreach, we are inspired by leaders who are helping make mental health conversations more open and inclusive. Their work aligns with our commitment to providing behavioral health services that are:

• Accessible and community-centered

• Culturally responsive

• Rooted in dignity and trust

• Focused on long-term recovery and wellness

Through our mental health counseling, substance use treatment programs, and recovery support services, we strive to create pathways that meet individuals and families where they are — whether they are seeking early intervention, structured treatment, or ongoing support.

Healing becomes possible when care is visible, reachable, and responsive.

Explore Outreach Services

This Black History Month, we celebrate the leaders who are expanding mental health awareness and increasing access to healing every day.

If you or someone you love is seeking support, Outreach is here to help.

We invite you to explore our mental health, substance use treatment, and recovery services to learn how we support individuals and families on their journey toward wellness.

If you or someone you love is seeking support, Outreach is here to help! Click here for more information