Feeling stressed or anxious during this crisis and need someone to talk to but don’t really have the funds for a professional therapist?
Don’t worry, Taraji P. Henson may be able to help you.
The “Empire” actress is launching her COVID-19 Virtual Therapy Campaign through her mental health foundation to help underserved communities experiencing life-changing events related to or triggered by the coronavirus pandemic.
“In the African American community, we’ve been taught to tough it out, hide our suffering. But this is something none of us has ever experienced and no one should suffer in silence,” said Henson, who announced the initiative Wednesday on her Instagram page.
The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation, named for her late father, will launch the campaign to raise money for mental health services provided by “licensed, culturally competent clinicians listed in our online resource guide,” she continued. The virtual sessions will be available through the foundation’s site, BorisLHensonFoundation.org, beginning April 15.
“Anxiety and stress build up every day and if you’re like me, you need someone to lean on, to talk to, to help manage your anxiety. But I also know it’s not easy for everyone to just pick up the phone and call a therapist because who’s going to pay for it?” said Henson, a longtime mental health advocate.
Henson asked those who want to support the campaign to text “NOSTIGMA” to 70 70 70 and donate what they can.
She also encouraged those needing immediate help to call The National Suicide Lifeline at (800) 273-8255.
“We need you. Every dollar helps,” Henson said before closing out with, “Remember, it’s OK to not be OK. Stay safe.”