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Healing Starts in the Heart

Welcome

Since the stigmas associated with mental health care often begin early, we work with teenagers and their families to raise awareness, conduct patient-centered research, and encourage young people to begin conversations in their communities.

We bring a special focus on the unique experiences of people of color. As a result, we are able to engage with communities on a deeper, culturally-relevant level by conducting research and providing clinical support.

Welcome to AAKOMA and thanks for joining our community!

Our Goal

All too often, Americans view mental health as a privilege for the wealthy and feel unwelcomed by or disconnected from traditional providers. At the AAKOMA Project, we are working to change that perception. We believe that everyone — regardless of background, income, or identity — deserves optimal mental health.

How do WE define optimal mental health?

We define optimal mental health as

  1. Recognizing mental health challenges when they arise
  2. Understanding where to go for help
  3. Supporting friends and loved ones to seek help

Events

March

31st

TBD

Florida International Union Black Student Union | Our Minds Matter: A Virtual Mental Health Conference
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Who We Are

Founder

Dr. Alfiee

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Operations Manager

Tracey Deavers

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Dai’toine Austin
Operations Assistant

Dai’toine Austin

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Intern

Morgann Noble

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Intern

Alexandra Torres

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Our Partners

AAKOMA leverages critical partnerships, collaborations and supports to move our work forward. Some of our recent partners, collaborators and supporters include:

  • Starkbucks Foundation
  • Mental Health Coalition
  • Mental Health America
  • YR Media
  • Pivotal Ventures
  • Community Foundation of Northern VA
  • Harry’s Shave Club/Flamingo
  • Innovation Health
  • U.S. Congressional Black Caucus
  • American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
  • Usher’s New Look Foundation
  • AcademyHealth
  • Alliance for Health Policy
  • Mt. Olive Baptist Church
  • Taylor Strategy
  • NAMI
  • SoPhE
  • PCORI
  • Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
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In the News

Coping with Anxiety in Refinery29

Coping with Anxiety in Refinery29

Our Founder spoke with Refinery29 on how to relieve your “Winter Pandemic Scaries” by setting mindful intentions and reaching out to friends and family for help. Read the full article.
How to Discuss Race of Black Teens (from APA)

How to Discuss Race of Black Teens (from APA)

Dr. Alfiee discusses how psychologists of all backgrounds can take steps to develop cultural competency and become proficient at talking with Black teens about issues such as the emotional impact of vicarious racism and of more direct racist assaults. Read more...
WHUR: Special Edition of the Daily Drum

WHUR: Special Edition of the Daily Drum

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. We all know the song well. With Christmas just a little over a week away, tis the season to be happy and merry. But the holidays can be tough and this year has challenged even the happiest of people. With so much heartache and...
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Better yet, see us in person!

We love our peeps, so feel free to connect during normal business hours.

AAKOMA Project, Inc.
contact@aakomaproject.org
1100 N. Glebe Road Suite 1010 Arlington, VA 22201
(571) 486-3382

Hours: By Appointment

Feel free to email us for inquires about keynotes, presentations, volunteering, consulting and partnerships!