DARKNESS RISING PROJECT

At the Intersection of the Arts & Mental Health

About us

Our Work in the Arts

Darkness RISING harnesses the power of the arts to inspire, uplift, and foster healing within the Black community. We produce inspirational cover songs, visual albums, and live concerts featuring Black Broadway and arts professionals—many of whom have personal experiences with mental health challenges. Through music, dance, performance, and storytelling, we create spaces for dialogue, self-expression, and emotional connection, using the arts as a catalyst for wellness and healing.

Our Work in Mental Health

We provide free, culturally competent mental health resources designed to support and empower marginalized communities. Our initiatives include community wellness workshops, the REBUILD program for justice involved and formerly incarcerated people of color, the REBUILD Youth program for youth with Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), Find Me a Therapist, our Black Mental Health Resource Packet, and our Black Mental Health Provider Database. We are committed to making mental health support accessible, addressing systemic barriers, and erasing the stigma surrounding mental health in the Black community and beyond. Through these resources, we connect community members to vital care, advocate for systemic change, and foster a more equitable mental health landscape. Our resources are available nationwide in the US

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

REBUILD

We connect formerly incarcerated and justice-impacted people of color with culturally competent therapists of color. We carefully vet therapists, arrange appointments, and fund up to 10 therapy sessions. REBUILD fosters healing, empowerment, and supports successful reintegration into society.

Find Me a Therapist

We connect Black therapy seekers to Black therapists. We’ll connect you with a therapist who understands your mental health needs and specializes in your journey. We have a network of culturally competent Black mental health professionals available for youth and adults.

FMAT is a self-pay service. However, we offer FREE therapy vouchers at select times during the year, based on available funding. Follow us on social media and subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on when vouchers become available!

Our resources are available nationwide in the US.

Find Me a Therapist

We connect Black therapy seekers to Black therapists. We’ll connect you with a therapist who understands your mental health needs and specializes in your journey. We have a network of culturally competent Black mental health professionals available for youth and adults.

Black Mental Health Resource Packet

A digital and printed packet of directories, websites, apps, podcasts, organizations, advocates and more for the Black community.

Black Mental Health Provider Database

A directory of Black therapists and mental health providers.

WELLNESS WORKSHOPS

Free community conversations, panel discussions and forums with Black mental health educators, licensed professionals and community healers about the issues that impact us.
In-person programs available in NC and NYC.

Get your FREE Mental Health Resource Packet!

OUR MISSION

Erase

the negative stigma of mental health issues

Improve

the health and wellness of the Black community

Raise

awareness about mental health in our community

Empower

and engage our community via resources, events and services.

Our Why

Our programming addresses racial injustice and incarceration through a transformative justice lens, creating safe spaces for healing with equitable wellness care.

Historically, segregation and “redlining” have isolated Black communities in neglected areas, causing structural disadvantages. This has led to poverty and adverse outcomes in education, nutrition, health, and employment, resulting in a greater likelihood of behavioral health disorders. Persistent discrimination and inequitable healthcare access often result in lower behavioral health care utilization among our Black community members, impacting diagnosis and treatment. We empower our community by spreading joy through inspiring music, providing equitable resources, and fostering meaningful mental health discussions.

Testimonials

Darkness RISING Project Website Disclaimer

By accessing our website, you acknowledge and agree with the following terms, conditions, and disclosures:

The contents of the Darkness RISING Project website, such as text, graphics, images, resources, and other material (“content”) are for informational purposes only. The content is provided in summary form as a supplement to, and not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Further, only a licensed physician and/or mental health professional should evaluate your situation, provide a diagnosis, or render other medical advice to you, and you should act only upon the advice of such physician. Always seek the advice of your physician and/or mental health professional or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your condition.

Darkness RISING Project is not a direct service organization, and does not recommend or endorse any clinicians, counselors, psychiatrists, social workers, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the website. This information is provided as a courtesy, and reliance on such information provided by Darkness RISING Project, its employees, others appearing on the website at the invitation of Darkness RISING Project  or other visitors to the website is solely at your own risk. Darkness RISING Project is not responsible for any false, misleading, or inaccurate information or images provided by individual providers listed or referenced on the site or site links. 

If you are in crisis or you think you may be in an emergency, call your physician, a crisis or emergency line. If you are having suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to talk to a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center in your area at any time. If you are located outside the United States, call your local emergency or crisis line immediately. See alternatives to calling the police here: dontcallthepolice.com. Crisis lines: darknessrisingproject.org/data