My name is Dr. Jerez Mitchell, PhD. I’m a mother, wife, Deaconess, counselor, business-owner, professor, psychologist, and more! As you can see, I wear many hats, and I work to meet people at whatever stage in their lives they’re coming from. I’m passionate about teaching folks, both in my community and in the classroom, how to create an overall community that provides culturally competent care to those who need it most. I’m originally from Texas and pursued an undergraduate degree in psychology from Spelman College, I earned my Master’s degree and Doctorate of Philosophy in Counseling Psychology from Howard University. North Charleston is home, where I live with my husband and son.

In my community, I noticed a problem: folks weren’t getting the help they needed and felt embarrassed, or there was a stigma associated with needing help. People didn’t know where to go, or where to turn, or who to ask to get the help they needed, and so my goal is to help build the infrastructure for and build a community where anyone can get help and anyone can be a support to someone in need.

I work to build these spaces in the universities I teach at, and in the work I do within Veterans’ Affairs, as well as in my counseling work. But larger events like these help so much to change people’s perspectives on what “Mental Health” really means.

In this piece, following an event at Mt Moriah Church in North Charleston, I host a workshop that establishes actions to build a community of care by destigmatizing mental health, providing resources to those who need them, and encouraging others to be a listening and empathetic ear.

I hope this piece encourages you to be a support to those around you and to seek support if you need it.