Hollywood powerhouse Taraji P. Henson partners with BetterHelp, an online counseling website, to break the stigma of mental health in minority communities.
The collaboration is not the first time Henson has used her platform to discuss mental health.
In 2018, Henson started the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation(BLHF), named after her later father. Inspired by her father’s battle with mental health issues after surviving in the Vietnam war. Henson created the foundation to “eradicate the stigma around mental health in underserved communities of color.”
Now, the award-winning actress is partnering with BetterHelp to help others struggling with mental during the current climate of reinforced social distancing.
“In partnership with BetterHelp, I am working to bring awareness to mental health issues and provide access to affordable therapy,” says Henson. “With BetterHelp, you can sign up today and get matched to your therapist within 24hours.”
BetterHelp is a virtual therapy site. After signing up, each member matches with a therapist that meets their requests/needs. Weekly, patients can chat virtually, through text or phone call, and even live chat to speak with their therapist.
Amongst the ongoing pandemic, the Empire star has made tremendous efforts to help reach those in high-stress situations.
Earlier this year, Henson’s Foundation, BLHF, launched free virtual therapy sessions. Targeting individuals affected by the COVID-19. Through donations, the organization is paying for the cost of 5 individual sessions based on a first-come, first-serve basis.
“Given the life-changing events related to or triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, many are suffering in silence and isolation. The Boris L. Henson Foundation (BLHF) recognizes that during this difficult time, affording the cost of mental health services can be a barrier in the African-American community. Having to choose between a meal and mental health is not something that one should ever have to ponder,” says the BLHF’s website.
Currently, the foundation is accepting it’s 3rd round of applicants and is encouraging Black men to apply.
For those interested in learning more about BetterHelp, click here to view the site and schedule an appointment.