
Not Self-Care.
Us Care.
We can end the stigma around Black mental health by being transparent and open.
Outside Feelings is sharing resources, real stories, and ways to connect across Alameda County to support that effort and strengthen our community.
We’ll be releasing new content frequently this May, so make sure you sign up for our email list and follow us on social media!
Mental Health Thrives in Community
We feel better when we don’t have to keep what we’re going through to ourselves, are in community with others, and take care of ourselves.
With connection, Black mental health can flourish in every corner of Alameda County, whether it’s a group walk around Lake Merritt or a picnic with friends at the Alameda shoreline, or a check-in conversation with a friend.


A Local Focus
We’re lifting up the people and places that support our mental well-being.
And we’re highlighting mental health resources in Alameda County that are relevant to, and supportive of, the Black experience.
What Will You Find Here?
From West Oakland to East Oakland, Albany to Fremont, and beyond, Outside Feelings is focused on the positive effects that community support can have on mental health. Here’s what you’ll find:
- Articles about mental health topics that matter to Black communities
- Information on culturally affirming mental health support
- Resources to help you start conversations and find help when you need it
We’re making the care of Black mental health in Alameda County easier to talk about and access.

Resources
Need a therapist who gets you without having to code-switch?
Our resources are created for Black residents of Alameda County. They’re local, accessible, and culturally relevant.
Articles You May Enjoy
These are our stories. From reflections on navigating burnout while Black to interviews with Alameda County-based mental health practitioners, the Outside Feelings blog includes honest conversations about mental health in our community.
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What To Say To a Loved One Struggling with Mental Health
How does someone ask for help when they’re struggling with mental health? While the stigma around Black mental health is slowly shifting, it hasn’t disappeared.…
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3 Reasons For Black Women to Prioritize Mental Health
Black women are choosing to care for their mental health, not just when things fall apart, but as a way to live more fully. We’re…
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5 Places to Take a Mental Health Break in Alameda County
Taking a mental health break can be an important part of your self-care toolkit. Alameda County is filled with spaces where you can take time…
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Black Mental Health At Work
Imagine you work hard in school, maybe even earn an advanced degree (or two), and land your dream job. You perform twice as well as…
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Let’s make mental health a community thing. Because mental health thrives in community.
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Meet Our Experts
These mental health practitioners are local to Alameda County and bring medical expertise to our content, ensuring that it is both culturally relevant and accurate.

Chyna Hill, PhD, MSW/ACSW, MA
Co-Founder
The Black Girls Mental Health Collective

DeAngela Cooks, LMFT
Founder & President
Voice & Vision

DeShannon Williamson, LCSW
Medical Social Worker
Kaiser Permanente

Tony Jackson, PhD
Co-Director
PranaMind