Hartford, Connecticut

Let your Light shine — healing rooted in who you are.

The Essence Behavioral Health is a BIPOC-led practice offering evidence-based, culturally attuned therapy for individuals, couples, and families ready to feel at home in themselves again.

Lived Experience
0 %
BIPOC-affirming care
0 %
Evidence-based Whole-person Evidence-based BIPOC-affirming Culturally attuned Evidence-based Whole-person Evidence-based BIPOC-affirming Culturally attuned

OUR MISSION

To heal and empower black, indigenous, people of color (BIPOC) by eliminating the stigma of mental health care.

OUR APPROACH

Healing beyond the surface.

Every person carries a distinct story. We pair proven clinical modalities with cultural humility so care feels like an extension of your own values — not a performance for someone else’s.

CBT

Reframe the thoughts that no longer serve you.

EMDR

Move through trauma with proven bilateral processing.

DBT

Tools for emotion regulation and steadier relationships.

Faith-Based

Christian counseling that honors your spiritual life.

Culturally attuned

Care shaped by lived BIPOC experience, faith, family systems, and community.

Whole Person

We hold trauma, identity, spirituality, and daily life together — not in silos.

Evidence -based

CBT, EMDR, DBT, motivational interviewing and solution-focused therapy.

Groups & events happening this season.

Healing happens in community. Join a support circle, workshop, or roundtable — many offered sliding-scale so cost is never the barrier.

Young Men · 13–17

Real Talk — Culturally Responsive Group for Young Men

Thursdays · 5:00 – 6:00 PM

The District Hub · 1200 Albany Ave, Hartford

Young Women · 13–17

"In My Feels" — Space for Young Women to Process Life

Thursdays · 6:00 – 7:00 PM

The District Hub · 1200 Albany Ave, Hartford

Girls · 11–14

The Confidence Crew

Tuesdays · 5:00 – 6:00 PM

Online · Telehealth

Girls · 7–10

Shine Squad

Tuesdays · 4:00 – 5:00 PM

Online · Telehealth

Boys · 11–14

The Connection Crew

Tuesdays · 6:00 – 7:00 PM

Online · Telehealth

Boys · 7–10

The Support Squad

Thursdays · 4:00 – 5:00 PM

Online · Telehealth

OUR VISION

To make the disparities in mental health care more equitable for BIPOC.

Ready when you are

A single conversation can change the season you're in.

Book a complimentary 15-minute consultation. No pressure — just a chance to be heard and see if we’re the right fit.