Black History is made every day!
Dr. Joy Harden Bradford is a clinical psychologist and mental health advocate whose work has reshaped how many people think about therapy, accessibility, and representation. As the founder of Therapy for Black Girls, she has created a platform that centers the mental health needs of Black women and girls while also broadening the conversation about who therapy is for.
At the heart of Dr. Bradford’s work is a simple but powerful belief: mental health care should be accessible, culturally relevant, and free from stigma. Through her podcast, therapist directory, workshops, and public speaking, she has built a community where conversations about anxiety, relationships, trauma, and joy feel normal—and necessary. Her approach moves beyond the therapy room, bringing mental health into everyday spaces where people already live, work, and connect.
Representation has been a cornerstone of her mission. For many people, especially those from marginalized communities, finding a therapist who understands their cultural context can be difficult. By highlighting Black therapists and creating resources specifically for Black women, Dr. Bradford has helped dismantle long-standing barriers to care. Her work sends a clear message: you deserve support that sees the whole of who you are.
But her impact extends beyond any single community. Dr. Bradford’s leadership has influenced the broader mental health field by challenging outdated stereotypes about therapy and advocating for more inclusive, community-centered models of care. She reminds both clinicians and clients that mental health is not a luxury or a last resort—it is a foundational part of overall well-being.
In a world where many people still feel hesitant to seek help, Dr. Joy Harden Bradford continues to expand the definition of mental health care. Her work invites us to imagine a future where therapy is not hidden behind closed doors, but woven into the fabric of everyday life—accessible, affirming, and built on the power of community.