Be Bold.
Be Free.
Just Be.
Introducing MMHI, a culturally-sensitive mental health initiative.
Find your path to mental wellness with our network of African American & Black therapists in Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and Alabama. The Minority Mental Health Initiative offers culturally sensitive mental health services tailored to your needs. Get the support you deserve in a safe, understanding, and empowering environment.
Who We Are
At the Minority Mental Health Initiative, our experienced and licensed African American and Black therapists offer high-quality mental health services in Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and Alabama. We are dedicated to supporting our community with trauma-informed care, including individual and family therapy, couples counseling, educational courses, and more. Our mental health services are tailored to explore, empower, and uplift the unique experiences of each client, ensuring they receive the compassionate care they deserve.
How We Work
-
Meet ‘n Greet.
You’ll be asked questions to help us get to know you. Feel free to ask your therapist questions. Get comfortable.
-
Discovery
We’ll utilize a combination of assessments paired with general conversation to engage in life discovery.
-
Effort
Let’s take action! We will create a plan together, establish goals, and work together every step of the way.
-
Breathe
You’re on your way to reach the desires of your heart. Remember, it’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon.
Meet Our Therapists
At MMHI, our team of African American and Black therapists is our greatest asset. Each of our clinicians brings a wealth of experience, compassion, and a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by minority communities. We are here to provide the support you need in a culturally-sensitive and trauma-informed manner.
Alexander J. Burks, LCSW
Founder & CEO
Alexander J. Burks, MPA, LCSW, is a dynamic professional based in Central Indiana, excelling as a businessman, therapist, and psychoeducator. With a multifaceted approach to mental health and well-being, he combines his expertise to create meaningful change in the lives of individuals and families.
As the CEO of the Minority Mental Health Initiative, Mr. Burks leads an all-inclusive mental health platform dedicated to addressing the unique needs of minority communities. His work focuses on breaking down barriers to mental health access, promoting cultural responsiveness, and building safe spaces for healing and growth.
At the heart of his mission is a deep commitment to strengthening family bonds, providing transformative couples counseling, and championing the healing and empowerment of Black men and women. Mr. Burks’ passion for fostering the advancement of Black men and women stems from his belief that their healing is integral to the well-being of families, communities, and future generations. Through his dedication and vision, he strives to inspire resilience, growth, and positive transformation within the community.
-
Myeisha Harris
LSW
Specializes in individual therapy with a focus on children 5+, teens, and young adults.
-
Carmen Yarrell
DescriptioI specialize in working with adults who are navigating the challenges of trauma and grief.
Mental Health Counseling You Deserve
At Minority Mental Health Initiative, we provide culturally responsive mental health services tailored to the unique experiences of African American and Black individuals. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, or life transitions, our licensed therapists are here to support you through every step. Our online counseling services are available throughout Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and Alabama, making therapy accessible and convenient from the comfort of your home.
We believe that representation matters in mental health. That’s why our network includes experienced Black therapists who understand the cultural, social, and generational challenges that often go unspoken. We are dedicated to helping you achieve peace, balance, and emotional well-being through compassionate and professional care.
Clients across Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and Alabama choose Minority Mental Health Initiative because we offer more than just therapy, we provide understanding, trust, and representation. Our team of African American and Black therapists is dedicated to helping clients navigate mental health challenges with a culturally informed approach that respects individual experiences and values.
Our Mental Health Services
-
Individual & Family Therapy
Our Individual and Family Therapy services are designed to help you navigate life’s challenges, heal from past wounds, and build healthier relationships. Whether you’re facing anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, or major life transitions, individual therapy offers a supportive space to focus on your growth and mental wellness. Whether you’re working through personal struggles or family challenges, we create a safe environment where healing, clarity, and lasting change can take place—because no one should have to do it alone.
-
Shield & Sanctuary Counseling
Shield & Sanctuary provides specialized therapy for first responders, law enforcement, military personnel, pastors, and spiritual leaders. We offer a confidential, judgment-free space designed to support those who serve and protect others. Our services focus on trauma recovery, stress and burnout, moral injury, and emotional wellness. Whether you’re carrying the weight of crisis calls, leadership pressure, or spiritual fatigue, we help you process, heal, and rebuild resilience. This is a safe space to set down the shield—and find sanctuary.
-
Couples Counseling
Our Couples Counseling service helps partners strengthen communication, rebuild trust, and deepen emotional and physical intimacy. Whether you’re navigating conflict, recovering from betrayal, or simply wanting to grow together, we provide a safe, supportive space for real conversations and lasting change. Using proven, practical tools, we help couples break unhealthy patterns, learn to truly hear one another, and create a relationship where both partners feel seen, valued, and connected. Whether you’re dating, engaged, married, or in crisis, we meet you where you are—and help you build the relationship you desire.
For once, it’s all about you…
The Black Wellness Journal
Stay connected and uplifted with the latest insights, tips, and stories from our blog, The Black Wellness Journal.. We dive into topics that matter to our community, offering culturally-relevant care, relationship advice, and personal growth guidance to support your mental health journey.
Frequently Aked Questions
-
Finding a black therapist is tough, but we have you covered. Talk therapy, also known as psychotherapy or counseling, is a form of mental health treatment that involves engaging in conversations with a trained therapist to explore and address emotional, psychological, and behavioral challenges. Through these conversations, individuals have the opportunity to gain insight into their thoughts and feelings, develop coping strategies, and work towards personal growth and positive change. Talk therapy encompasses a wide range of approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and humanistic therapy, and it can be conducted in individual, group, or family settings, providing a supportive and confidential space for individuals to address their concerns and improve their overall well-being.
-
Couples counseling, also known as marriage counseling or couples therapy, is a specialized form of therapy designed to help couples address and resolve conflicts, improve communication, and strengthen their relationship. During couples counseling, a trained therapist works with both partners to identify and explore the underlying issues contributing to relationship challenges. Through open dialogue and guided exercises, couples can gain insight into their dynamics, learn effective communication and problem-solving skills, and work towards building a healthier, more fulfilling partnership. Couples counseling can be beneficial for couples at any stage of their relationship, whether they are experiencing specific issues or simply seeking to enhance their connection and understanding of each other.
-
Yes, we currently offer teletherapy sessions exclusively to prioritize the safety and well-being of both our clients and therapists during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. In the future, we plan to offer in-person sessions as well. We are continuously monitoring the situation and will provide updates regarding the availability of in-person sessions as the circumstances evolve. Our primary goal is to ensure that our clients receive the support they need in a manner that is safe, convenient, and aligned with public health guidelines. Thank you for your understanding and flexibility as we navigate these challenging times together.
-
Family therapy, also known as family counseling, is a specialized form of psychotherapy that focuses on improving communication, resolving conflicts, and strengthening relationships within families. It involves a trained therapist working with family members to explore and address issues impacting the family unit, such as relationship dynamics, behavioral patterns, and major life transitions. By fostering understanding and empathy among family members, family therapy aims to create a supportive and cohesive family environment, ultimately promoting the well-being of all individuals within the family system.
-
Deciding if therapy is right for you is a personal choice, and there are several factors to consider. You might consider therapy if you are experiencing emotional distress, struggling with relationships, facing major life changes, or feeling stuck in unhelpful patterns of thinking or behavior. Therapy can also be beneficial for those seeking personal growth, self-discovery, or guidance in achieving specific goals. If you are unsure whether therapy is the right choice for you, consider scheduling an initial consultation with a therapist to discuss your concerns and determine if therapy could be helpful in addressing your unique needs and circumstances.
-
MMHI accepts the following insurances: Aetna, Cigna, Anthem BC/BS, Anthem Indiana Medicaid, and United Health Care.
MMHI does NOT accept insurance for couples counseling and is at a private pay rate only as of Jan 1. 2025.
MMHI does accept HSA/FSA accounts for payments towards deductibles and session costs.
Our pricing structure for private pay clients is competitive and may vary among our therapists. Rates for individual therapy, diagnostic evaluations, and couples or family sessions are designed to offer affordable, high-quality care tailored to your needs.
We are committed to providing transparent and accessible pricing options to ensure that our services are available to those seeking support. If you have any questions regarding our pricing or payment options, please don't hesitate to reach out to our team for further assistance.
Couples Counseling Private Pay Rate:
$150/Session for 60 minutes
$200/Session for 90 minutes