Applications Closed

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Applications Closed -

Charlyne
McFarland
Therapy
Assistance Program

Honoring the legacy of Charlyne McFarland.
A grandmother, caregiver, and champion for community care

Charlyne McFarland, grandmother of Lauren Carson, inspiration for the Therapy Assistance Program in a patterned outfit, holding a clutch, smiling at the camera, standing in front of an orange backdrop with floral patterns.

About The Program

The Charlyne McFarland Therapy Assistance Program was launched in 2020 to help remove financial and systemic barriers to mental health care.

Through this program, Black Girls Smile connects young people and young adults ages 13–26 to culturally responsive, racially affirming, and gender-responsive licensed mental health providers, offering short-term financial assistance to support consistent access to therapy.

The program is designed to support individuals navigating mental health challenges who may otherwise be unable to access care.

Three women smiling in front of a pink sign that says 'Black Girls Smile' with green curtains and pastel balloons on either side.

How It Works

We accept requests from individuals identifying as Black/African American and femme (including pronouns she/her/hers and they/their/theirs).

Participants accepted into the program receive:

Financial support for approximately 2–6 months of therapy
The option to work with:
- A current licensed provider
- A provider from Black Girls Smile’s vetted referral list
- A provider through partner networks such as Open Path Collective or Sol health
Support navigating the therapy process with care and dignity

Two women sitting and talking in a bright office or waiting room, with plants in the background. One woman is smiling, wearing a white blouse and a light-colored cardigan; the other has braided hair and is wearing a dark floral top.

Program Impact

3,100+

therapy sessions covered

300+

partnerships with BIPOC mental health providers

1,000+

participants supported nationwide

92%

report a significant decrease in suicidal thoughts and behaviors

87%

participants report significant improvement in mental health distress

Participant Insights

These outcomes underscore both the impact of the program and the continued need for access to care.

A semi-circular progress bar indicating 45% with the text 'reported this was their first experience with therapy' below it, on a brown background.

A gauge indicating 33% with text "entered the program while experiencing crisis" on a brown background.

A semi-circular gauge with 74% displayed, indicating the percentage of people reporting significant mental health distress at intake, with a brown background.

Why Support Is Needed Now

Every contribution helps us:

Reduce wait times for care
Cover additional therapy sessions
Expand access to culturally responsive providers
Support young people at critical moments in their mental health journeys
Mental health care can be life-saving — and access should not depend on ability to pay.

Due to limited funding and high demand, the Therapy Assistance Program currently has a waitlist of over 500 youth and young adults nationwide seeking support.

VOICES FROM THE COMMUNITY

“This program helped me when I couldn’t afford therapy and desperately needed it. The process was smooth, and I was able to get help quickly. I’m incredibly grateful.”

“I was in a very dark place. Therapy through this program helped save my life and helped me show up for my child. I will always be thankful.”

A woman in a green dress holding a bowl of pudding with berries, sitting indoors.

A woman with braided hair sitting and looking thoughtfully in a room with large windows and wooden paneling

“Because of this program, I now have the tools to move forward. Thank you for making care accessible when I needed it most.”

A young woman with long dreadlocks smiling with eyes closed, standing against a plain gray wall, wearing a beige sweater and a brown jacket.

Support the Therapy Assistance Program

Donate

Your support directly helps young people access mental health care when they need it most.

Every contribution — no matter the size — helps support mental wellness, reduce barriers to care, and expand access to therapy for youth and young adults navigating mental health challenges.