Welcome to Black & Brown Mountain Town.

In our first episode, we introduce ourselves, share how we met, and talk about the work that inspired this podcast. As we recognize Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, we explore why conversations about mental health should include both clinical and communal approaches to healing, and why representation, community, and belonging matter.

We're bringing our professional experience, and our friendship, to conversations about mental health, community, systems, and healing. Expect honest discussions, plenty of laughter, and a space where curiosity and connection are always welcome.

We're glad you're here. Welcome to the conversation.

You Don't Have to Carry It Alone

If today's conversation brought something up for you, know that you don't have to carry it by yourself.

If it feels safe to do so, consider reaching out to someone you trust; a friend, family member, neighbor, faith leader, therapist, or another supportive person in your community. Sometimes simply letting someone know you're struggling can be an important first step.

If you don't know who to reach out to, or you need support right now, the resources below are available.

If You Need Immediate Support

Emergency

• Call 911 if you or someone else is in immediate danger.
• If the emergency involves a mental health crisis, you can ask the dispatcher if a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) officer or other specially trained crisis responder is available. Availability varies by community, but CIT-trained officers have additional training in responding to behavioral health crises.
• Or go to your nearest Emergency Department.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

• Call or text 988 (available 24/7)
• Español: Press 2 when calling or text AYUDA to 988.
• You do not need insurance, identification, or immigration documents to contact 988. Most people who reach out are connected with a trained crisis counselor, and the vast majority of conversations are resolved without involving emergency services.

Crisis Text Line

• Text HOME to 741741
• Español: Text AYUDA to 741741

BlackLine

• Call 800-604-5841
• Peer support centered on Black, Black LGBTQ+, and Black femme communities while welcoming BIPOC callers.

The Trevor Project (for LGBTQ+ young people)

• Call 866-488-7386
• Text START to 678-678

Trans Lifeline

• Call 877-565-8860
• Peer support run by trans people, for trans and questioning people.

LGBT National Hotline

• Call 888-843-4564

Western North Carolina Resources

View From Here WNC

Looking for other mental health resources? View From Here WNC connects people across Western North Carolina with local mental health services, crisis resources, and wellness organizations by county.

https://www.wnchn.org/view-from-here-wnc-mental-health/

Mobile Crisis Management

888-573-1006

A mobile crisis team can come to you if you're experiencing a behavioral health crisis and need in-person support.

Behavioral Health Crisis Center (C3)

356 Biltmore Ave.

Asheville, NC 28801

Walk-in behavioral health crisis services for adults experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis.

Disclaimer

Black & Brown Mountain Town is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical, psychological, or mental health advice. Watching or listening to this podcast does not establish a therapeutic relationship with the hosts or guests.

The views expressed by guests are their own. While our conversations explore both clinical and communal approaches to mental health and healing, this podcast is not a substitute for assessment, diagnosis, treatment, or care from a qualified healthcare or mental health professional. Please consult an appropriate healthcare professional regarding your individual needs.