Frequently Asked Questions
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Phoenix Rising Centers is an activist mental health collective that centralizes mental health care for and by Black, Latinx and other Communities of Color as well as LGBTQIA2S+ communities across the US. We are currently in 13 states and we are growing and expanding. Our goal is to be in all 50 states and Puerto Rico by the end of 2023. We only hire providers who are anti-racist, social justice oriented, feminist minded and see mental health access as a form of activism.
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Simply put, mental health is related to how we interact with ourselves and the larger world and involves our emotional, psychological and social well-being. It’s about our WHOLE self (mental, emotional, physical, spiritual) and how these parts of us experience and interact with the world and systems around us.
At Phoenix Rising Centers, we believe that the health and wellbeing of our families, our communities, our friends and the larger systems around us have the biggest impact on our mental health.
If we are existing within systems that are broken, which we are, our mental health is surely going to be impacted. So this would mean we are all in need of mental health supports. Unless of course, you are someone who has plenty of money, lots of incredible familial and social supports and great overall health, then maybe you’re doing ok. But who of us can check off all those boxes? Who of us in our society is most impacted by these very issues?
Many Black people in America today are here because of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade—they are direct descendants of those who were kidnapped, raped, tortured and violently and horrifically abused. Those of us who know anything about mental health, know about the impacts of epigenetics and intergenerational trauma. Even though slavery was abolished, we have a long standing history of exclusion and maintaining the concentration of wealth into the hands and lives of those who are of White/European American descent. Those who are the direct descendants of slaves, those who have come here since, and those who live with Black and Brown skin still experience the traumas of racism of today— also known as systemic racism and historical exclusion. Given this longstanding history, it is well beyond time for organizations and stakeholders to step up to the plate to not only call this out and name it, but to provide a red carpet kind of experience to those who have been forced to suffer alone since our inception as a nation called America (a whole other article is warranted on this topic for what the Native, Indigenous people of this land experienced when White/European’s came here and enslaved, tortured, killed and essentially worked to exterminate them so White/Europeans could live on this land and claim it for themselves).
Those who are Sexual and Gender Minorities (SGM) are often rejected from their own families and within our society. This creates a deep kind of existential pain of trying to find ones place in the world. Those who are part of this community often face discrimination in the form of homophobia and transphobia. The hatred directed towards SGM, very often come from a people who hold extreme religious beliefs and who have views steeped in Christian Nationalism. They frame SGM’s as sinful individuals who need to repent in order to be accepted into heaven. What kind of God would condemn someone they supposedly made to eternal suffering for loving someone else of the same sex? We at the Phoenix Rising Centers, fully support those who are part of the LGBTQIA2S+ community. Those who are SGM have some of the highest rates of suicide—Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people, with LGBTQ youth being four times more likely to seriously consider suicide, to make a plan for suicide, and to attempt suicide versus their peers. (2).
What does it mean to Redefine Mental Health
Mental health access and use is full of stigma and the notion of “if you can’t do it yourself that means you’re weak.” It’s beyond time that we challenge this idea that we should be able to do the hard work of healing, alone. That is what we are doing at the Phoenix Rising Centers. We are tired of seeing Black and Brown communities and those who are part of the LGBT communities struggle and suffer alone. We are calling this Mental Health Redefined because we see mental health access as a fundamental human right not merely for those who have always had access and privilege, but for those who have not. Namely, for Black and Brown communities and those who are part of the LGBTQIA2S+.
We are here to redefine what it means to get help. At Phoenix Rising Centers, we believe that getting help is an act of Bravery (yes, with a capital B). We believe a REAL warrior gets that we should not do it alone anymore and can ask for help.
Redefining Mental Health is about undoing White Supremacy.
How? Because it’s the White/European culture that brought with it this idea of rugged individualism. The time is now, and we have a lot to learn from collectivist culture. Working together as a team within our community and family systems and ensuring those who are living within it, is what makes us mentally robust and healthy, not only as a society, but as an individual.
Mental Health Redefined
Typically, mental health supports are only for those with access and wealth. Not surprisingly, our first Black president, helped to close this gap through the implementation of The Affordable Care Act AKA Obamacare. But still, there’s White Supremacy, which calls a person weak if they need help. We are working to redefine what it means to ask for help.
Phoenix Rising Centers is redefining mental health care by providing it to Black, Brown and LGBTQIA2S+ who have historically struggled to find help. Whether it’s trying to find a provider who looks like you or shares some of your most impactful lived experiences, it has not been easy, this is especially true for Black and Brown people living in America. There is an obvious access issue in this country, so those who are mental health providers are typically from the privileged group— those who are White/European Americans. FACTS: In 2015, 86 percent of psychologists in the U.S. workforce were white, 5 percent were Asian, 5 percent were Hispanic, 4 percent were black/African-American and 1 percent were multiracial or from other racial/ethnic groups. This is less diverse than the U.S. population as a whole, which is 62 percent white and 38 percent racial/ethnic minority. 1.
Phoenix Rising Centers is dedicated to making mental health accessible to ALL and highlighting and centralizing mental health care FOR and BY Black and Brown and LGBTQ2S+ mental health providers. We have decided to take a step back and redefine mental health as something much more inclusive, in response to the needs of our communities. Our commitment is to help improve mental health for those who have been historically excluded.
Our mission is to bridge the gap between traditional mental health services and communities of color by providing culturally-appropriate services and programs that meet their specific needs.
We want to improve access to quality mental health care for all groups, including those who may feel vulnerable due to their race or sexual orientation. Those who have been historically excluded are those we are rolling the red carpet for.
We want everyone who needs help with their mental health issues to feel comfortable going about their lives with confidence knowing that if they need help, there will be someone there for them when they need it.
We want to make certain that everyone who needs it can get the care they deserve and need, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
We want to ensure that everyone knows about the importance of getting equal treatment for mental health before it's too late.
OUR BRAND
Our new brand and logo are meant to reflect our values and beliefs. We have the Phoenix rising from the ashes as a symbol of growth and transformation. The heart of the Phoenix is a Brown fist and a rainbow, which symbolizes the heart of our mission—serving those who are part of these communities to Redefine Mental Health access and care. We hope our logo will be immediately recognizable and will convey a message of hope, healing, and support for those who are Black and Brown and for those who are part of the LGBTQIA2S+ communities.
Our foundation is steeped in inclusivity and equity. We are doing our part to improve the lives of those who have been abused, forgotten, ignored and left behind. We are here to empower our clients by giving them access to help and treatment by providers who share parts of each individuals lives experiences. We believe this kind of access is what helps to Redefine Mental Health.
Resource:
(1) U.S. Census Bureau. (2015). American Community Survey 1-Year PUMS file. Retrieved from www.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs/data/pums.html . "Other" racial/ethnic groups included American Indian/Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, and people of two or more races. U.S. doctorate holders included individuals in the workforce with a doctoral/professional degree in any field. Total may not sum to 100 percent due to rounding.
(2) Trevor Project; https://www.thetrevorproject.org/research-briefs/estimate-of-how-often-lgbtq-youth-attempt-suicide-in-the-u-s/.
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We ask that you provide 24-hour notice if you are unable to make a session. We this ask since your provider is holding that space and time for you. If you are unable to make it, please let both you provider know as well as our admin team to ensure we don’t charge you the missed session fee.
Our missed session fee is whatever we would have been paid by your insurance or if you are out of pocket, what ever that rate is. Typically, anywhere from $120-140.
Of course we get emergencies happen and people get sick, so we never charge for that kind of late cancel.
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We take BCBS, Optum Plans (United, Harvard Pilgrim Health, Neighborhood Health Plan), Tufts, and Aetna. We are also adding to the insurance companies we are in network with, so check with us if you don’t see yours listed!
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It’s all about the right fit! We understand the importance of the relational field, so we do our best to make sure you are matched with a provider you feel good about and that has the qualities you are looking for in a provider.
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Our providers are people who are part of the communities we serve. We are Black, Latinx, Middle Eastern, Jewish, Asian, mixed race and other PoC as well as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer or other parts of the rainbow. Those who are not part of these communities are actively antiracist and strong allies and advocates for those who have been historically excluded.
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There are SO many options when it comes to therapy. Below is a basic overview of some of the ones we offer at Phoenix Rising Centers.
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We are usually able to get you connected with a provider of your choice within 1-2 weeks. More typical is within one weeks time.
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The intake process is the most involved, as this is where your provider will gather as much information about you as possible. This is to ensure your provider has a whole understanding of your life and circumstances so you can create a treatment plan together.
Your provider will ask about your childhood, previous diagnosis, any medical concerns, current stressors, strengths, connections and more.
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Yes! We are mental health professionals who are held to a strong standard of practice. We adhere to all HIPAA guidelines. Remote sessions are held via encrypted software and on a HIPAA compliant platform.
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EMDR has the potential to integrate trauma(s) that have kept you stuck. When we experience a trigger, it is often connected to an unprocessed memory or experience from the past. These memories could be implicit or explicit. Implicit meaning they could have formed before the age of 3 and are therefore held in the body and/or subconscious mind. Explicit memories are the experiences we remember and have conscious access to. Through the use of bilateral stimulation, EMDR works to integrate both implicit and explicit memories.
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Somatic therapy is related to understanding the ways our body informs us. It is listening to the inherit wisdom of the way we carry ourselves. It is connected to going deep within to hear the stories our bodies have to tell us, stories our minds may not always understand. And that’s okay. In Somatic therapy, we connect with sensations in our bodies to gain insight into where energy is held; whether it is leaking, stagnant or flowing. Our bodies have tremendous wisdom to share. We just have listen.
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A neuroplasticity and attachment based treatment, AEDP’s experiential model sits on the frontlines of current healing modalities. As an evidenced based intervention, it pulls from many schools, including interpersonal neurobiology, attachment theory, emotion theory and affective neuroscience, body-focused approaches, and last but not least, transformational studies. This treatment focuses on undoing aloneness and creating a felt sense of “being with” another. AEDP trained clinicians place tremendous value on the relationship between the client and their clinician.
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Yoga can have a positive impact on a variety of psychological and physiological conditions. Yoga cultivates mindfulness through breathing exercises, intentional relaxation, and body movement (West, Lang, & Spinazzola, 2017). In addition to helping certain medical conditions and somatic dissociation, yoga has also been shown to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, ADHD, and eating disorders (West, Lang, & Spinazzola, 2017). Read More.
Kundalini Yoga promotes physical and emotional well-being though the use of physical postures, simple movements, breathing techniques, use of sound (mantra) and meditation. It has been show to be especially effective in relieving trauma symptoms, depressive and dissociative disorders as well as autoimmune conditions.
Yoga Nidra or ‘yogic sleep’ as both a form of meditation and a mind/body therapy, is a tremendous healing modality for those who have experienced trauma or struggle with anxiety. The technique induces a complete physical, mental and emotional relaxation through guided meditation which helps strengthen and tone the parasympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system. This yoga is especially helpful for those who suffer with PTSD, anxiety and panic disorders.
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Exposure to nature has great benefits all around, key among them in relation to mental health and wellness. Therapy in a natural setting, such as at a wildlife refuge or other green, natural spaces, is considered for treatment when individuals are willing and/or able to meet outside of a traditional office setting. The benefits of being surrounded by the natural world are countless. Being in nature provides a break from our, often, fast paced daily routines as well as the often unintentional technological immersion we encounter in the 21st century. Being with Nature has a regulating impact on our nervous system. With close proximity to the Atlantic coast and landscape, sessions can be accessed and utilized for this guided therapeutic purpose. If this is something you are interested in participating in, please contact us for more information.
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Ego State Therapy is a branch of psychotherapy that looks at each individual as not just one person or ‘part’ but a multiplicity of ‘parts’. These “parts” (which everyone has) are called ego states. This non-pathologizing treatment allows us to see the wisdom these parts within each of us carry. In Ego-State therapy, we learn to dialog with ourselves in a whole new way, gaining insight into our patterns, behaviors, limitations and strengths.
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When we are seeking growth and healing, it is helpful to explore all aspects of our lives. Insight oriented therapy, also known as Psychodynamic or “talk therapy”, focuses on the unconscious drives that manifest in present day behaviors. Also known as psychodynamic therapy, a person engaged in this treatment, often gains insight into themselves and the conscious and unconscious habits and drive. Both past and present relationships with others as well as one's roles within these contexts are explored and new ways of engaging in relationships emerge.
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Mindfulness-based therapeutic approaches are grounded in cultivating and deepening awareness. These practices have mostly been researched to show they can be essential contributor to good mental health. However, this research failed to acknowledge how those with histories of anxiety, depression and/or trauma can be negatively impacted by formal meditation practice. Over the past several years, there has been research indicating meditation can actually cause or worsen symptoms in people who struggle with mental health challenges. Trauma informed mindfulness practices can help us find a way to safely bring awareness and attention to the present moment, body and world around us.
We tend to think of healing as something binary: either we’re broken or we’re healed from that brokenness. But that’s not how healing operates, and it’s almost never how human growth works.”
— Resmaa Menakem