CALM’s ‘Therapy Within Reach’ Program Pushes Detroit Toward Mental Health Access Built with Black Women in Mind

December 18, 2025

Detroit-based nonprofit CALM has launched "Therapy Within Reach," a program providing free mental-health counseling exclusively for Black women who cannot afford traditional care. The initiative addresses a significant treatment gap, as CDC data reveals only 15. 3 percent of Black adults received mental health treatment in 2023 compared to 25.

Who is affected

Black women in Detroit, particularly those who cannot afford traditional mental health care
Black women navigating housing instability, including teen mothers in shelter programs
Black adults across the United States experiencing mental health treatment disparities
Black women business owners who funded the initial program
Detroit families dealing with economic pressures and caregiving burdens

What action is being taken

CALM is offering free mental-health counseling specifically for Black women through the "Therapy Within Reach" program
The organization is partnering with local shelters and programs serving teen mothers to deliver therapy services
CALM is providing therapy paired with support groups and wellness experiences
The organization is raising funds to expand the program

Why it matters

This program addresses a critical healthcare disparity where Black adults receive mental health treatment at significantly lower rates than white adults despite experiencing similar distress levels. The severe underrepresentation of Black psychologists (only four percent nationally) creates barriers to culturally competent care, leaving Black women without providers who understand their lived experiences of systemic racism, generational trauma, and caregiving burdens. By removing financial and cultural obstacles to therapy, the program challenges the normalized expectation that Black women must endure trauma and stress without support while caring for their families and communities.

What's next

CALM is raising funds to expand "Therapy Within Reach" beyond its initial rollout that expects to support at least 50 women.

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle