Mental health and therapy experiences can significantly differ among ethnic groups across the country. Within the Black community, a notable stigma often surrounds therapy. Many individuals perceive it as something primarily intended for white people or associate it with being “crazy” or “mentally ill.”
In Sacramento, Deeper Cuts Therapy is actively working to dismantle these stigmas. This organization provides services in communal spaces such as barbershops and salons, and also integrates mental health awareness into events like 5K-10K runs.
The foundation of Deeper Cuts Therapy stems from Dr. Troy Williams’ doctoral research on the opioid crisis in Madison, Wisconsin, which uncovered that Black individuals were overdosing at twice the rate of white individuals due to feelings of loneliness.
Williams discovered that addiction thrives in isolation and believed that fostering connections could be a solution. Upon relocating to Sacramento, he initiated a program called “Cut to the Chase,” collaborating with Aron King to bring healthcare professionals into the community’s “third spaces”—places where individuals feel safe and comfortable.
“Your first space is home, your second is work, and the third is a place where you can simply be. For many in Black communities, that space is often a barbershop or beauty salon,” Williams explains, emphasizing the importance of these informal settings.
The organization has partnered with local hubs such as Tapers Barbershop & Salon in Oak Park, Five Starr Fades on Del Paso Blvd, and DreamGirls Hair Salon in Elk Grove.
Breaking the Stigma around Therapy
Travis Nelson, a licensed marriage and family therapist, founded Real Talk Therapy and Consultation in Sacramento with a similar mission—making mental health services more accessible in the Black community.
Nelson points out that he is one of the few Black therapists in California. Data from the California Black Health Network noted that in 2018, only 3.1% of therapists in the state were Black.
“My goal is to break the stigma surrounding mental health in our community,” Nelson shares, highlighting the barriers many face in accessing these essential services.
He actively utilizes community events and social media to normalize therapy. A particular encounter stood out for him when a 13-year-old disclosed her belief that therapy was only for white people, a sentiment echoed by her mother.
“I understood that the message from her mom likely stemmed from a lack of resources available to underserved populations. That encounter fueled my passion to break this stigma,” he shares passionately. “It’s crucial for us to recognize our mental health needs, just as we do our physical health.”
Nelson encourages Black individuals, especially men, to accept that it’s okay to not be okay. He reflects on societal teachings to just “keep pushing through,” and emphasizes how this mindset can impede healing.
Running as a Path to Wellness
Deeper Cuts Therapy offers numerous initiatives, one of which is a unique concept termed “retail therapy,” featuring tailored shopping experiences for clients at a Nike store, alongside offering mental health journals and affirmation cards.
A standout initiative is their R&B Running Series, which combines 5K and 10K running events with accessible mental health resources. Their inaugural event attracted over 500 participants, resulting in 48 individuals connecting with therapists.
This running series blends community, music, and physical movement, helping to destigmatize therapy and positioning it as a vital part of a holistic wellness lifestyle rather than a service of last resort. Recent studies indicate that running can significantly alleviate anxiety and depressive symptoms after just 16 weeks, offering scientific support for such initiatives.
Looking ahead, the next R&B run is scheduled for May 16 at North Natomas Regional Park, starting at 8:30 a.m.
Another community effort is found in the form of Black Girls Run It, a running group created to promote mental, physical, and emotional well-being among Black women. The group has fostered a supportive community through social activities like paddle boarding and hiking, as well as community service initiatives.
Michaela Stewart, the founder, notes that the club started from her personal journey toward better mental health. “The sisterhood is truly the heart of this organization,” she remarks.
Ashley Kelley, the social director, emphasizes that the club serves as a safe space for mentorship and connection among Black women. “It’s vital to connect with like-minded individuals, which sometimes feels scarce in Sacramento for the Black demographic,” Kelley highlights.
As for Deeper Cuts Therapy, they are also launching a mental health impact award to recognize unsung heroes in this field. The community is encouraged to nominate individuals, nonprofits, or organizations that are making a difference in the mental health landscape within the Black community, with nominations accepted until April 6.
“It’s important to acknowledge the work being done in our neighborhoods,” King expresses, advocating for recognition of community efforts.
