REVOLUTIONIZING MENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS
Welcome to Therapy Thursday
Where mental health and wellness meet community, culture, and empowerment. We are a
podcast, a movement, and a safe space dedicated to uplifting Black, African-American, and
BIPOC voices in the conversation about mental health. Therapy Thursday started as a love
letter/blog by host and Founder Amerykah Jones then evolved into a radio program, a live
audience podcast and finally into a non-profit dedicated serving others in their mental health
and wellness journeys.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE MOVEMENT
Through meaningful dialogues, expert insights, and a commitment to continuous learning,
Therapy Thursday aspires to inspire hope, foster healing, and ignite positive change.
OUR WHY
Mental health is often overlooked in
communities of color, and we are here to
to be change in action. By provide
culturally specific resources and
conversations that resonate deeply with
the unique challenges faced by Black and
BIPOC communities, we believe that this
prioritization of mental well-being, we
unlock our fullest potential and create
stronger, healthier communities.
GETTING TO HEALING ISN’T ALWAYS EASY
OUR JOURNEY
What started as a bold idea to break the stigma
of mental health conversations within Black and
BIPOC communities has grown into a thriving
platform for healing, empowerment, and
innovation. The 2021 National Survey on Drug
Use and Health (NSDUH) found that of the 21% of
Black and African Americans who had a mental
health concern, only 39% of these individuals
received mental health services. We knew we
had to address accessibility, putting services
within reach. At our live audience podcasts,
service providers are present to hold space for
community to ask questions, find support
services and be uplifted in healing, love and
care. Therapy Thursday bridges the gap, offering
culturally attuned mental health content that
inspires healing and action.
the facts & figures
01
The suicide rates of people of color
continue to rise with Black Americans
facing a 58% increase in suicide rates
between 2011 and 2021 with suicide
being the third leading cause of death
for Black or African Americans
between the ages 15 to 24 in 2020.
SUICIDE
02
Currently, only 4% of psychologists in
the United States are Black. Factors
like educational costs, barriers to
career entry and bias with
standardized testing required for
becoming a licensed therapist or
counselor create barriers.
lack of care providers
03
Destigmatizing mental health care within
black communities requires shifting
harmful media narratives and removing
systematic hurdles to access. More
treatment designed for marginalized
populations and led by practitioners who
have a firsthand understanding.
Medical mistrust
empower, educate, and engage
01
Therapy Thursday offers a wide range
of physical and digital journals. We
also provided in-person and virtual
guided journaling exercises with
professional mental health providers.
02
Therapy Thursday holds monthly live
audience podcasts. Featuring mental
health professionals of color. We provide
a safe and inviting space and our subjects
are requested by our community.
03
Creative is abundant at Therapy Thursday!
Perhaps an artistic journey is calling to
your spirit. Join a group painting activity
or download one of our coloring books
what if WE told you there
was a better way...
At its core, Therapy Thursday is more than a podcast—it is a
movement driving meaningful conversations and actionable
change in the realm of mental health and wellness. By
centering the lived experiences of BIPOC communities, we
are breaking down barriers of stigma and creating spaces for
healing, growth, and resilience. Our episodes and digital
offerings empower individuals to confront mental health
challenges, embrace self-care, and take ownership of their
emotional well-being.
The ripple effects of our work are profound. Through
culturally relevant tools like guided journals, mindfulness
coloring books, and actionable vision boards, we provide
practical solutions that meet people where they are. By
amplifying the voices of community leaders, mental health
professionals, and everyday individuals, Therapy Thursday
bridges the gap between awareness and action, making
mental health resources accessible and relatable.
Our live audience podcasts take this mission even further by
fostering a sense of belonging and collective healing. These
events aren’t just recordings—they’re shared experiences that
bring together diverse perspectives to tackle some of the
most pressing issues facing our communities. Attendees leave
with not only newfound insights but also a deeper connection
to themselves and their community.
The impact extends beyond individuals to the communities
they live in. Therapy Thursday is igniting conversations that
lead to systemic change—encouraging schools, workplaces,
and organizations to prioritize mental health and equity. By
combining storytelling, scholarship, and cultural relevance, we
are equipping people with the tools to transform their lives
and, in turn, their communities.
Mission & impact
0.0s
about host
amerykah jones
Amerykah Jones is a passionate advocate for
mental health and wellness, dedicated to
fostering a safe space for open and honest
conversations about mental health within the
Black, African-American, and broader BIPOC
communities. As the host of the widely acclaimed
radio program, podcast, Therapy Thursday,
Amerykah brings her empathetic approach and
insightful perspective to each episode, creating
an environment where listeners feel heard and
supported.
Her unique blend of expertise, warmth, and
authenticity resonates with a diverse audience,
making her a trusted voice in the mental health
landscape. Beyond her role as a podcast host,
Amerykah is a sought-after speaker and
workshop facilitator, empowering individuals and
communities to prioritize their mental and
emotional well-being. Her commitment to
destigmatizing mental health issues and
promoting healing is at the heart of everything
she does, making her a beacon of hope and
inspiration for the community she proudly serves.
Michelle Simmons is the Founder
and Clinical Director of the
Michelle Simmons Counseling
Group. As a Licensed Professional
Counselor, Licensed Addiction
Counselor and Approved
Clinical Supervisor.
Michelle simmons
LPC, LAC ACS
Monica Badgett
Psychology/Social Psychology
Researcher & Change Manager
Monica also holds a masters degree in organizational leadership with an emphasis in
Strategic Innovation and Change Management with an emphasis in government and non-profit organizations
Renesha Berry
Empowerment Coach
Renesha is a Confidence Coach &
Professional Choreographer, as
the Founder of Urban Seductress
& Executive Director of Shades of
Brilliance (Non-Profit
Organization), her purpose is to
empower women & ignite their
fire within!
meet the squad
Nycole Bradshaw is a Senior
Manager of Middle School
Mathematics. She
is responsible for implementing a
rigorous college preparatory
middle school mathematics
program to a
diverse population. She has
worked in K-12 education for over
a decade in both administrative
and
academic positions.
Nycole Bradshaw
Education Consultant
Brittney Wright
Counselor
“I don’t think anyone can grow
unless he’s loved exactly as he is
now, appreciated for what he is
rather than what he will be” (Mr.
Rogers) We thrive best when we
feel seen, heard, loved,
appreciated & valued just for who
we are. YOU are worth it!
Congratulations on your bravery!
Let’s walk this journey of healing,
and grow together!
TonyA Rozencwajg
Psychotherapist/Drug and Alcohol Counselor
Tonya experience
is extensive and expands over 32
years. She is an entrepreneur who
owns and operates
two successful state licensed
agencies in the community,
which have been proven to
reduce recidivism, as well as
improve the overall health and
well-being of the populations
she serves.
POWER IN OUR VOICES
Join Us in Redefining Mental
Health and Wellness
Our
voices
Therapy Thursday elevates
these our voices not just to
share stories but to
empower individuals and
communities to speak their
truths boldly. Our voices
spark empowerment.
our
Stories
Stories are the heartbeat of our
mission. Each episode begins
with the narratives of individuals
—stories of struggle, resilience,
and triumph that reflect the
lived experiences of BIPOC
communities.
OUR
CHANGE
Change is the ultimate goal.
Change happens when
stories are heard, voices are
lifted, and collective action
is taken—and that’s what
we’re building, one episode
at a time.
Culturally relevant mental health content for BIPOC communities centering on meaningful impact.
feedback
- "Therapy Thursday is not just a
podcast; it’s a lifeline for
individuals and communities
striving for emotional well-
being and connection."
- Sage
- Student
- "Our mission is simple but
profound: to inspire healing,
foster understanding, and
create a world where mental
health is celebrated, not
stigmatized."
- Nycole & Renesha
- Podcast Guest Hosts
- "We’re not just having
conversations about mental
health—we’re creating a
movement that empowers
communities to heal and
thrive."
- Alexis & Sarah
- Podcast Guests
- "By combining culture,
community, and care,
Therapy Thursday is
redefining what it means
to truly thrive."
- Javon
- Podcast Producer
OUR FUTURE
Live concertS
Therapy Thursday wants wellness
to take center stage. These free
concerts support the community
making meeting therapists easier
while enjoying live music to heal.
College tours
College campuses are
experiencing high levels of
mental health incidents and
stress. Speakers like Chuck D. will
hit campuses to engage.
Virtual events
Healing has a lot of pathways and
Therapy Thursday looks forward to
connecting globally through virtual
events, driving support worldwide
and building connections.
retreats
Cruises, staycations, breath-work
retreats are chances for attendees to
escape. We even have sessions
planned for teachers and therapists!
They need a moment too!
Attendees are encouraged to take a pause, reflect on their personal journeys.
Foster community relationships and build a sense of belonging.
Attendees emerge renewed and reinvigorated to live more balanced and purposeful lives.
Meet therapists and learn more about the pathway to clarity and wellness.
Live concerts
Research shows the benefits of music therapy for various
mental health conditions, including depression, trauma, and
schizophrenia (to name a few). Music acts as a medium for
processing emotions, trauma, and grief—but music can also be
utilized as a regulating or calming agent for anxiety or for
dysregulation. - National Alliance on Mental Health Illness
- Music is healing
Providing mental health
resources accessible to all
students
Equip students with practical skills and supportive networks
Address the challenges students
face, from managing stress to
finding balance, ensuring they
thrive in every area of life.
Empower students to take the
first steps toward prioritizing
their mental well-being.
College Tours
Our college tours bring mental health conversations
directly to students, creating a platform where young
people can access culturally relevant resources and learn
strategies for thriving both academically and personally.
THIS WORK GOES BEYOND THE BOOKS
- CONNECTING CAMPUS WELLNESS
virtual events
Our virtual events break down barriers of location, ensuring
anyone, anywhere can access the tools, stories, and support
they need to thrive mentally and emotionally. These
sessions provide easy access to expert advice, interactive
workshops, and inspirational content that empower
individuals to take control of their wellness journey.
Virtual events create spaces for shared healing and connection.
Break down barriers of location,
ensuring anyone, anywhere can
access the tools, stories, and
support they need to thrive.
Explore new ways to live
healthier and more fulfilled
lives.
Flexibility and accessibility at home, workplaces, and communities through using digital platforms.
- Wellness Without Walls
module 4
Our retreats offer attendees a chance to step away from the
demands of daily life and focus on self-empowerment,
growth, and restoration in serene and supportive settings.
Attendees are encouraged to take a pause, reflect on their
personal journeys, and emerge renewed and reinvigorated
to live more balanced and purposeful lives.
A transformative process of
healing and growth, with
expert-led sessions and
supportive communities
providing the tools to thrive.
Designed to help individuals
rediscover their inner calm
Cultivate lasting mental
wellness through immersive,
restorative experiences.
Engage in opportunities like
cruises, flyaways, musical
getaways, relaxation
staycations.
- restore & revive retreats
GET IN TOUCH
Nikki Swarn
Executive Director/
Chief Impact Officer
720.217.4102
info@therapythursday.org
"Healing begins when we give
ourselves permission to feel,
to speak, and to grow. Therapy
Thursday is the bridge between
our pain and our power—
because our stories deserve to
be told, and our voices
deserve to be heard."
-
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