How are the Children?

Virtual Therapy Groups for Youth and Young Adults

Kasserian “Ingera” which in Swahili, means How are the Children?  This traditional Swahili greeting of the Masai tribe of Africa not only reminds us to acknowledge the resounding light, innocence, energy, and wellness of our children; but challenges us to fervently protect, nurture and care for our beloved “Watoto.”  A global pandemic, coupled with a racial reckoning the likes of which has not been seen since the late sixties are having profound and unprecedented emotional and psychological impacts on the daily lives of young people.  As they desperately try to navigate social distancing, extended school closures, virtual learning, lack of in-person social experiences, and transitioning into and out of high school and college, high levels of stress and anxiety cloud their worlds.

It was the acclaimed poet Maya Angelou who wrote, “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.”  So, how do we ensure that our youth are not” reduced” by the extraordinarily difficult times being thrust upon them?  First, we reassure them that “It’s okay, not to be okay!”  Then, we provide them with the tools necessary to navigate the difficulties in their lives.  Mental health care provides the much-needed coping tools that will serve our children well, not only now, but throughout their lives.

The Boris L. Henson Foundation is committed to providing access to the mental health care our youth and young adults need.  BLHF recognizes that during this arduous time, young people who do not have access to mental health support, need extra reassurance and may benefit from professional guidance in a safe, supportive, peer space.  Further, we acknowledge that affording the cost of mental health services can be a barrier in the African American community.

The Free Virtual Therapy Groups for Teens and First-Year College Students Initiative was developed to cover the cost of 100 virtual group sessions to be held nationwide by licensed, culturally competent clinicians in our network.  Small groups of no more than 10-15 participants are designed to support children of color and the diversity within (i.e., girls, boys, LGBTQ+, faith-based, etc.).  Participating students are given the flexibility of engagement, determined by their own level of comfort and availability.  Topics include relationship management, mindfulness, adulting, coping strategies, grief management, social media engagement, and psychotherapy education. Our goal is that young people be given the tools to self-regulate when left alone to deal with the unpredictable world they inherited.  Our desire is that they will come to feel safe enough to dream, optimistic enough to hope, courageous enough to laugh and love, and determined enough to create the world they want to see.

BLHF is issuing this Invitation for Applications to local mental health groups across the nation who are answering the call to action.

Provider Eligibility

• • Culturally competent/affirming service provider

  • Independent Licensed clinician

  • Willing to offer service across your state

  • Registered in BLHF Resource Guide

Group Eligibility

The virtual group is for teens and young adults experiencing a life-changing event related to or triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.

• • A minimum of 10 and a maximum of 15 participants must be registered for the group.

  • Evidence-Based group therapy

  • At least 2 years experience offering the group

  • 60 minutes per group session minimum

  • Pre-event sign-up roster required, submit upon approval

  • Post-event survey and analysis required after every group

  • Approved topics

    • Relationship management, mindfulness, adulting, coping skills, grief, social media management, and relevant psychotherapy education.

  • The new group cohort must start within 14-21 days of approval

  • 3 – 6 group sessions in the cohort

  • Does not retroactively cover services received prior to approval or for out-of-network providers.