Black Mental Wellness Addresses the Black

Thomas Mengesha is a Casualty Assistance Coordinator at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Currently pursuing a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling, Thomas Mengesha has a keen interest in mental health in the Black community.

Black Mental Wellness is a company aiming to boost psychological support for the Black community. It was founded by Dr. Nicole Cammack, Dr. Danielle Busby, Dr. Dana Cunningham, and Dr. Jessica Henry - four Black clinical psychologists seeking to decrease the stigma surrounding mental health care.

Led by Dr. Cammack, who serves as the company’s CEO, Black Mental Wellness establishes a national network to provide access to mental health resources such as fact sheets, workshops, training opportunities, and consultation services. By making such resources more accessible, the founders address the mental health gap in the Black community.

In an effort to increase diversity in the field of psychological counseling, the company also created a national training program to connect students with professional counselors. The program includes an annual mentee pathway as well as summer internships.

Military and Government Counseling

Named the 2015 Federal Employee of the Year, Thomas Mengesha has served in various capacities with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs since 2011. Currently pursuing a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling (with aspirations to become a Clinical Neuroscience Mental Health Counselor), Thomas Mengesha maintains membership in the American Counseling Association.

A professional and educational organization committed to the advancement of the counseling profession, the American Counseling Association provides leadership, resources, and information through 18 chartered divisions. The Military and Government Counseling Association (MGCA), for example, supports counselors and professionals who work to meet the unique counseling needs of service members and their families. As part of its mission to provide meaningful guidance, the MGCA promotes professional development activities and upholds the highest standards of professional conduct.

This division offers tools and resources to help counselors learn prevention and intervention strategies appropriate for military and government populations. Additionally, the MGCA aims to disseminate educational and professional materials that help improve the standard of care within military populations across the United States.