At Community Hero Action Group, we are proud to sponsor 100% of the Black Brain Campaign’s latest cohort in the LEAP (Licensure, Exam, And Preparation) Program, supporting master’s-level clinicians on their journey to becoming licensed marriage and family therapists and professional counselors. This backing is vital for expanding access to culturally competent mental health services in underserved communities. Through our EXCEL Fund, we cover essential expenses, including test preparation, licensure exams, and a year-long membership to a professional organization. This financial support lightens the load for aspiring clinicians, allowing them to focus on building the culturally empathetic skills needed to effectively serve their communities.of the EXCEL Fund
As the Executive Director of the Black Brain Campaign, Farida Boyer explains,
“The Black Brain Campaign’s mission is to eradicate the stigma against mental health in the Black community. Therefore, it is our goal to increase the number of culturally competent clinicians who possess cultural humility when addressing the needs of the clients that we serve.”
The EXCEL Fund is designed to help eliminate financial barriers to licensure, especially for students from underserved backgrounds. The costs associated with courses, exams, and required supervision hours can be daunting, limiting access to professional mental health careers. By reducing these costs, Community Hero Action Group is creating equitable pathways within the mental health field, encouraging a new generation of Black clinicians ready to make a difference.
The Impact of the LEAP Program
The Black Brain Campaign’s LEAP Program offers crucial support through mentorship, resources, and professional networking, helping participants navigate their licensing journey and advance their careers. This program is a key part of the Black Brain Campaign’s commitment to expanding mental health services that are both culturally informed and relevant. Black clinicians currently represent only about 4% of psychologists in the U.S.
Mental health disparities remain a critical issue, with Black Americans being 20% more likely to experience serious mental health problems than the general population (Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, minorityhealth.hhs.gov). Programs like LEAP, made possible by the EXCEL Fund, empower Black clinicians to bridge this gap, fostering mental health environments that recognize and respect the unique experiences within Black communities.
Community Hero Action Group is honored to work with organizations like the Black Brain Campaign to build a more equitable mental health landscape, working toward a future where stigma is reduced, and all individuals have access to compassionate, culturally relevant care.
For more information about the EXCEL Fund, visit communityheropa.org/excel or reach out to us at contactus@communityheropa.org.
