Today we’d like to introduce you to Pametria Brown, LCSW.
Hi Pametria, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey to becoming a therapist started on the back of a tragedy that occurred while working as a foster care worker. One of my favorite clients died by suicide and it impacted my mental health and ultimately led to me resigning from my job. I was spiritually led away from that environment and accidently ended up transitioning to a hospital working with teens who were experiencing mental and behavioral health crisis. It was not my goal to be a therapist, but I know that I was led on this journey. Throughout my career, I have worked in hospitals, developed treatment programs, and eventually ended up with my own private practice. I have been vocal on my social media platforms about mental health accessibility and normalizing the conversation within the Black community. Due to my visibility, people always reach out about working with me personally. Unfortunately, due to boundaries and dual relationships I am often not able to be their therapist, but I would assist them with finding another therapist to meet their needs. Eventually, I realized that I am a resource and wanted to help my community on a larger scale, thus Black Therapists Matter was born.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My journey has been as smooth as the rough side of the mountain, lol! Whenever you are doing something innovative. it’s great however it takes a lot more explaining for people to buy in to the concept. A lot of therapists are not used to directories being interactive and so there has been some resistance with those who aren’t to their input being requested. We are also a brand that is loud about working with the Black community during a time where DEI has been penalized yet we have not yielded from our messaging. Through the various challenges, we are grateful to those who see our vision and support it!
We’ve been impressed with Black Therapists Matter Wellness Directory, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Black Therapists Matter Directory (BTM) is a pioneering digital platform dedicated to bridging the gap between Black mental health professionals and individuals seeking culturally competent care. We officially launched on 6/19/24 with a mission is to break cultural stigmas, increase access to Black therapists, and create innovative solutions for mental wellness within the Black community. Users are able to visit our site and select their preferences for a therapist, to filter through and find someone who fits their needs. We also have a questionnaire available to challenge users to process what type of therapist who would be a good match.
In addition to helping users find a therapist like most directories, our brand also helps to mental health professionals build a brand and have unique opportunities for growth. With the lowest subscription rates on the market, therapist can join our tribe and become bloggers, brand ambassadors, host workshops and so much more. We are proud of the community that is being built and that our executive team are comprised of members who have been on this journey with us since the beginning.
Our brand has grown rapidly in less than 2 years, and we now have therapists throughout the US, Canada, and the UK with more countries being added over the next month. We have built an authentic presence known for branding, events, and apparel line that help remove the stigmas around mental health and humanize mental health professionals.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Mentorship is so valuable and underrated. I have had the privilege of being a mentor as well as being mentored and both roles have guided me through different seasons of my life. The mentorship culture has somewhat changed because now, most have transitioned to “coaching” and offer this as a paid service, which is also beneficial but does not hold the same authenticity of organic mentorship. It can be difficult asking someone to mentor you, I always encourage others to be intentional about identifying someone who you respect and admire because true mentorship comes with being challenged and uncomfortable at times because that is where real change and growth occur. It’s funny because at this moment I am actually looking for a new organic mentor and a professional one as well.
Pricing:
- As low as $5 a month
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.blacktherapistsmatter.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blacktherapistmatter
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063438267066
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pametria-brown-lcsw-397518196/
