Dr. Janet Taylor, a psychiatrist, founded the first Black therapeutic business, Totally Me, in Harlem, New York. The business aimed to provide mental health services to the Black community and create a safe space where Black individuals could receive quality care without fear of judgment or discrimination[1]. Totally Me offered a range of services, including individual and group therapy, medication management, and support groups. The establishment of Totally Me was a significant milestone in the field of mental health, as it was the first Black therapeutic business. The business was created to address the lack of access to quality mental health services for Black Americans. Dr. Taylor's goal was to create a safe space where Black people could receive quality mental health services without fear of judgment or discrimination[1].
The establishment of Totally Me paved the way for future Black mental health professionals to provide quality mental health services to the Black community. Today, there are many Black mental health professionals and organizations that provide mental health services to the Black community, such as Therapy for Black Girls and Viva Wellness[4]. These organizations offer guidance on how Black business owners can maintain their mental health and provide culturally responsive therapy for Black men and women[3].
It is important to have Black mental health professionals who understand the unique experiences of Black Americans. Person-centered therapy is one approach that has been found to be effective for Black men and women[3]. This approach is rooted in an equal client-therapist relationship, making this congruence a necessary condition for success.
In conclusion, the establishment of the first Black therapeutic business, Totally Me, by Dr. Janet Taylor marked a significant milestone in the field of mental health. It provided a safe space for the Black community to access quality mental health services. The establishment of Totally Me paved the way for future generations of Black mental health professionals to provide quality mental health services to the Black community.
Sources
[1] Tabletop Diversity - Dec 2001 - Page 41 - Google Books Result https://books.google.com/books?dq=the+first+black+therapeutic+business+was+founded+by+dr.+janet+taylor+in+harlem%2C+new+york.+the+business%2C+named+totally+me%2C+aimed+to+provide+mental+health+services+to+the+black+community+and+create+a+safe+space+where+black+individuals+could+receive+quality+care+without+fear+of&hl=en&id=d-sCAAAAMBAJ&lpg=PA41&ots=cKCoc0MENL&pg=PA41&sa=X&sig=ACfU3U0jilBbWHMzj3TFsqRqm3B52y5Llg&source=bl&ved=2ahUKEwiSuMe72cSAAxXUMmIAHepmA1sQ6AF6BAgmEAM
[2] Tabletop Diversity - Dec 2001 - Page 41 - Google Books Result https://books.google.com/books?dq=the+first+black+therapeutic+business+was+founded+by+dr.+janet+taylor+in+harlem%2C+new+york.+the+business+provided+mental+health+services+to+the+black+community%2C+and+its+goal+was+to+create+a+safe+space+where+black+people+could+receive+quality+mental+health+services+without+fear+of&hl=en&id=d-sCAAAAMBAJ&lpg=PA41&ots=cKCoc0MDQJ&pg=PA41&sa=X&sig=ACfU3U0aKFm7c_NEeWtQTZJHrTTpJgV_CA&source=bl&ved=2ahUKEwjGqfqY2cSAAxWKVqQEHZEWAGcQ6AF6BAgNEAM
[3] The Best Approach to Therapy for Black Men and Women https://thriveworks.com/blog/person-centered-therapy-best-approach-african-american-counseling/
[4] Bloom Season | Therapy for Black Entrepreneurs - Mailchimp https://mailchimp.com/bloomseason/being/therapy-for-black-entrepreneurs/
[5] Mental Health - Black Psychiatrists https://blackpsychiatristsny.org/mental-health/
[6] Black Folks and Mental Health:Why Do We Suffer in Silence? https://www.ebony.com/black-folks-and-mental-health-610/
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