The Center for African American Health (CAAH) provides free, culturally relevant mental health and wellness programs designed to improve the health and well-being of the Black community, from infants to seniors.
“The goal is to really support community in closing those health disparities that have been persistent for us.” – Deidre Johnson, CEO and Executive Director, The Center for African American Health
Caring for Denver supports CAAH in expanding access to culturally responsive mental health and substance misuse counseling services delivered by licensed mental health professionals of color. With this funding, a behavioral health navigator conducts screenings, provides education and brief interventions, and connects community members to therapy services, which are cover by CAAH.
CAAH has also launched new healing-centered support groups and affinity spaces, including Bloom Circles for women and mothers and Chosen Circles for LGBTQIA+ community members. Additionally, the organization initiated Mental Health First Aid training for five staff to strengthen crisis response capacity.
During their most recent grant cycle, 430 community members connected with a behavioral health navigator for support conversations and referrals. These early touchpoints help build trust and readiness for therapy.
Of those referred to therapy:
• 86% remained engaged in therapy and completed or continued sessions
• 57% were accessing therapy for the first time
Among those who remained in therapy:
• 89% are showing improvement
CAAH’s behavioral health navigator ensures warm handoffs to therapists and support groups, providing strong continuity of care. Staff follow up within 48 hours to confirm successful referrals and help address barriers such as transportation, stigma, and other challenges that can prevent marginalized communities from accessing and continuing care.