Our Blog & Outreach
AAKOMA Blog
Usher’s New Look Invites Dr. Alfiee to Virtual Youth Mental Health Summit
Dr. Alfiee joins Usher’s New Look Disruptivate Racial Inequity & Mental Health Trauma Summit to discuss how stress and trauma can impact mental health for Black youth nationwide.
Mental health campaign aimed at helping teens ‘Sound It Out’ (fox6now.com)
Our Founder, Dr. Alfiee, was interviewed in connection with the Sound It Out, a joint project with Pivotal Ventures and the Ad Council. This new national campaign, which is focused on middle school age children, uses the power of music to help parents and caregivers...
The Sound it Out Campaign
Our Founder, Dr. Alfiee, was interviewed about the New Sound it Out Campaign by Shelly Irwin of WGVU in Michigan. They discussed both the campaign and middle schooler mental health during the pandemic. Listen
The Derek Chauvin Verdict: Relief & Greif (refinery29.com)
Dr. Alfiee was interview for an article on the psychological impacts of the verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial, both the initial sense of relief, and the following of more complex emotions. Read the full article.
The Danger Of The Nevers Made For Love Suicide Stories (refinery29.com)
Dr. Alfiee was interviewed on the psychological impacts of shows such as The Nevers and Made for Love, which show scenes of death by suicide that are not strictly required for the plot, can have when the context is not discussed. Read the full article.
The Lead with Jake Tapper: CNN On Air Appearance
Dr. Alfiee appeared with W. Kamau Bell on The Lead with Jake Tapper to discuss the continuing trauma that results from the Derek Chauvin trial, as well as other recent incidents of officer involved shootings. The conversation also involved the unique impact this is...
AAKOMA Project is Hiring!
The AAKOMA Project, Inc. has been growing steadily and is now seeking to accelerate further. Our team is seeking a mission-focused, seasoned, creative, strategic, and process-minded team member with experience in managing all aspects of social media and digital...
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)
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 here.
Shape.com: Why We Really Need to Stop Talking About Detoxing After the Holidays
Dr. Alfiee addresses post-holiday detoxing, discussing that instead of focusing on detoxing the past (whether it be foods or habits), stay grounded in the present moment to feel joy and gratitude for what's to come. Read more at shape.com.
Don’t Fall for the Holiday Happiness Trap from Refinery29
Dr. Alfiee spoke to Refinery29 on avoiding the holiday happiness trap requires being intentional about managing our expectations. Read how she lays out a game plan to end this season feeling refreshed, rather than drained.
Register here for Virtual Therapy (for young people)
If you are in crisis and need immediate support or intervention, call the mental/behavioral health crisis line of your county behavioral health office. Trained crisis workers are generally available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week. If the situation is potentially life threatening, please go directly to your nearest hospital emergency room.
If you are a teen or young adult in need of mental health support, register here for up to 5 FREE virtual sessions.
Please give our team 72 hours to get in touch with you on your request.
We’re Here to Help!
AAKOMA Project, Inc
4201 Wilson Blvd
Third Floor
Arlington, VA 22203
Open Daily
09:00 am – 05:00 pm
Outreach/Awareness
What We Do
Check out this great video from our Black History Month Event at Industrious showcasing what we do at the AAKOMA Project.
NBC Washington | Virginia Doctor’s Mental Health Initiative Offers Help for African-American Communities
Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble, founder of the AAKOMA Project, teamed up with the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation to provide free virtual mental health treatments to help underserved communities in Northern Virginia.
Can We Talk? Event
To help establish AAKOMA as a go-to resource for evidence-based mental health outreach and education with Black youth and families we will:
- Formally introduce the AAKOMA Project, Inc. to our local community.
- Reduce stigma and promote emotional well-being among marginalized youth.
- Lay groundwork for long-term capacity building and sustainability.
Ring the Alarm Report
In December 2019, the AAKOMA Project and Dr. Alfiee participated as members of a national working group along with Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman and the Congressional Black Caucus to develop and share a report on the crisis of African-American and Black youth suicide and mental illness. Our report is located on the Congresswoman’s website here.
AAKOMA + BHM Event
It’s no secret that AAKOMA loves the kids, but a lesser known fact is that our outreach also involves parents and teens from diverse backgrounds. AAKOMA is excited to continue building relationships with adolescents and their parents/caregivers across cultural backgrounds for mental health.
BSUFIU in DC
On January 29, 2020, The AAKOMA Project, Inc. was asked to present our work to a group of students representing the Black Student Union of Florida International University. We shared our learning of the past 20 years and our vision for the future. (FIU).
Student Success and Mental Health Recognition Gala
In the Fall of 2021, AAKOMA is preparing to honor young people of diverse backgrounds who represent themselves and their communities with honor. These young people are focused on optimal mental health for all.