Mission

To help low-income Austin communities, particularly people of color, navigate the process of obtaining mental health services.  Our goal is to be a resource for at risk communities by offering our platform to increase mental health awareness, as well as improve access to free/low cost mental health services in the Austin area.

Vision

To ensure that low-income communities, particularly people of color, can easily find the mental health care they need to improve their quality of life.

Why we do what we Do

Meet the Founder Jo Namayanja

I founded The Mental Wellness Network (TMWN) as a result of my frustration with the search for therapy services in Austin. It was hard to find a therapist that worked after 5pm and even when I found one, she was quite expensive. As someone that has struggled with anxiety for several years, I know what it is like to need help but get frustrated with the process of obtaining it. I have experienced first hand, the mental health stigma that is prevalent in communities of color. I have been told to ‘just relax’ by loved ones who meant well but didn’t understand that anxiety impairs your ability to think rationally. It is these experiences that led me to create this Network.

I envision a world where everyone affected by a mental health condition gets the care that they need, regardless of their income or race. I want everyone with a mental health condition to know that they are not alone. That it can get better- when they get the care that they need.

Mental Health Care Statistics in Texas

Racial Differences in Mental Health Services Use

The Mental Wellness Network in the News

The Mental Wellness Network has been featured on local TV and radio stations such as KXAN TV and KOOP Radio 91.7 FM. To learn more, click here. For media inquiries, please contact us at info@thementalwellnessnetwork.org