Welcome to the
Urban Institute of Mental Health
The Urban Institute of Mental Health is a mental health practice created to bring individual and collective healing to BIPOC, LGBQTIA+, and other marginalized populations.
Our Purpose
Our purpose is to bridge the gap between mental health services and marginalized populations; and bring healing to all in need.
To actively challenge and dismantle the deep-seated legacies of colonial thought patterns, facilitating a transformative journey towards recognizing the inherent value and richness of all cultures.
Through this process, we seek to heal historical wounds, foster mutual respect, and nurture authentic connections among humankind, ensuring that every individual feels seen, heard, and valued in a collective march towards global unity and understanding.
Our Vision
Our vision is to provide a safe and protected space for BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities to heal and thrive. Most importantly, we are committed to relentlessly fight to dismantle all systems of marginalization and oppression using decolonization and connection practices.
Our Mission
To destigmatize & decolonize therapeutic services for; but not specifically with populations with marginalized identities.
To drastically increase treatment outcomes of mental health services in BIPOC & other marginalized communities.
To educate other mental health professionals on how to ethically deliver effective, non-biased, non-discriminatory, anti-racist, culturally appropriate and competent mental health services to BIPOC communities.
To pioneer research that improves mental health outcomes in BIPOC communities and continues to assist in the development of new treatment interventions.
To assist other agencies and practices whom employ and serve communities of color to develop anti-racist practices and overall culture of antiracism.
Our Core Values
We are committed to doing the very best we can to serve you with the upmost care and concern for your overall well-being. Use the link below to see what we prioritize and what our core values are here at UIMH.
The Statistics
BIPOC Mental Health
LGBTQIA+ Population: 37%
Multiracial Population: 25% Native/Indigenous Population: 23% Black Population: 17%
Latinx/Hispanic Population: 15%
Asian-American Population: 13%
Barriers To Treatment
Lack of insurance/high deductibles Mental illness stigma
Lack of diversity among providers
Lack of culturally competency Language barriers
Distrust in the health care system
“Be Relentless in Your
Pursuit of Justice.”
— Unknown
At The Urban Institute of Mental Health, we are unwavering in our commitment to actively challenge and dismantle systems that perpetuate marginalization and oppression against BIPOC communities.
We pledge not only to be a voice against policies and laws that sustain cycles of oppression and discrimination but also to be a driving force in advocating for and shaping new legislative frameworks that genuinely uplift and benefit BIPOC communities.
Our mission extends beyond therapy rooms, as we harness our collective expertise, passion, and determination to create a world where equity is not just an aspiration but a lived reality for all.
Meet the Administrative Team
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Octavia Brown, LCSW-C
CLINICAL DIRECTOR
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Vanessa Brown
PRACTICE MANAGER
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Miyuana Edwards
CLIENT CARE COORDINATOR
Meet the Clinical Team
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Teresa Crenshaw, LCSW-C
ADVANCED CLINICIAN
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Darjanae Naylor, LCSW-C
ADVANCED CLINICIAN
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Jordan Mickens, LCSW-C
ADVANCED CLINICIAN
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Shola Adebusuyi, LCSW-C
ADVANCED CLINICIAN
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Erica Carroll, LCSW-C
ADVANCED CLINICIAN
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Alexcia Wattie, LMSW
CLINICIAN
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Chrystine Johnson, LMSW
CLINICIAN
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Tatyana Henry
GRADUATE LEVEL INTERN
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