It’s THAT time of the year again!!!
IABPsi Annual Student Reception
October 17 2026 • 10am - 2pm
Neal-Marshall Black Cultural Center
275 N. Eagleson Avenue, Bloomington, IN 47405
Join us for our Annual Student Reception! This gathering brings together high school, college and graduate students, and early career professionals for an afternoon of connection, learning, and opportunity. Attendees will participate in breakout sessions on topics of interest and study, explore mentoring opportunities, enjoy food, and connect with others across the IABPSI community.
REGISTRATION ENDS SEPTEMBER 30TH
Good News
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Keith Lee holds massive storm relief giveaway for residents in Gary, Indiana
Food influencer Keith Lee and Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton joined forces to provide food, supplies, and community support to Gary, Indiana residents affected by prolonged power outages following severe storms.
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Preserving South Carolina Black History Through Photography
Nearly 6,000 historic photographs documenting Black life and community in early 20th-century South Carolina have been digitized and made freely available online, preserving stories and family histories for future generations.
Have You Heard?
That girls and women too often assume that they’re supposed to merely follow along with what their sexual partners want? This can mean that they’re not doing what THEY want, but according to the experts, sex ought to be safe, consensual, and pleasurable.
The messages that tell us that sex ISN’T safe, consensual, or pleasurable include:
“C’mon, get comfortable with it! Everybody’s doing it”. - (or doing it THIS way).
“We don’t need condoms; we love each other.”
“What are you, a nun? You’re a freak!”
The truth of the matter is boys also get messages they may not accept, but the expectations may be different for them than for girls. Either way, having sex, or just considering it, is a topic that we don’t always talk so openly about. Especially when it comes to what we want and when.
Want To Hear More?
LISTEN to Psychologist Denise Hayes talk about sexual wellness on 1310TheLight. On June 23rd She and her invited guest psychologist James Wadley of Lincoln University, spoke to host Tina Cosby about this topic. Check out this interview.
The following month on July 28th, Dr. Hayes invited psychologist and nurse Cemone Rose to her monthly radio show with Tina Cosby, where they continued the conversation. The conversation was just as lively, just as pertinent.
Let’s Speak About the Unspeakable
Did you know that the suicide rate for Black Americans increased by over 36% between 2011 and 2021? We found this statistic from our favorite resource, Black People Die By Suicide Too, founded by T-Kea Blackman and Jordan Scott. These two amazing women offer their own podcasts and share links to other podcasts and resources on their website (see below).
Check out this wonderful website. It also include referrals for Black therapists.
I need a therapist. What do I do?
First, congratulate yourself. You’ve not only recognized a need to act, but you also acknowledge that you need not carry your burden ALONE. For many, this recognition is a big step. For others, you have shared your strife with others but now see the benefit of seeing a professional.
1:
If you or someone you love is considering hurting themselves, call emergency services right away. In these crisis situations, immediate help is important. You can decide later how to arrange to see a professional for a duration of time.
2:
follow the steps to select a therapist. You’ll also find explanations of the difference between counseling and psychology, and how mental health professionals differ depending on their credentials (e.g., mental health counselor or LMHC, school counselor, clinical or counseling psychologist, and so forth). At IABPsi, we honor exceptional therapists. We urge you to choose one who can embrace, validate, and comfortably explore your experiences as a Black person. And of course, it doesn’t stop there: exceptional therapists strive to understand you holistically so they can offer the best help they can. Racial and cultural experiences necessarily blend with other aspects of identity --- like gender, age, religious or spiritual beliefs, and sexual orientation. Exceptional therapists aim to learn about both your positive and negative experiences. On our Getting Better page we offer guidelines on selecting the right therapist for you.
4:
Know what you can pay for therapy services. Some services are offered on a sliding fee (based on one’s income), while others accept insurance or direct payment. See LINK for examples of options in Indiana. Call to see whether therapists offer group therapy, which may be appropriate for certain circumstances and can help reduce costs.
3:
At IABPsi, we honor exceptional therapists. We urge you to choose one who can embrace, validate, and comfortably explore your experiences as a Black person. And of course, it doesn’t stop there: exceptional therapists strive to understand you holistically so they can offer the best help they can. Racial and cultural experiences necessarily blend with other aspects of identity --- like gender, age, religious or spiritual beliefs, and sexual orientation. Exceptional therapists aim to learn about both your positive and negative experiences. On our Getting Better page, we offer guidelines on selecting the right therapist for you.
My Big, Beautiful Adventure in Boycotting
I bet the last thing you think about when you want to stop feeling depressed, enraged, or anxious is NOT spending money, right?
Face it: spending money has a way of making many of us feel good.
Reframing the way we spend it offers something even better. IABPsi Past President Chalmer Thompson’s blog, My Big, Beautiful Boycotting Adventure, chronicles the emotional highs and lows of someone who is new to boycotting. Well, at least new to serious boycotting.
Take a peek at her blog posts
Feel free to email her at chathomp@iu.edu with a comment she can share and address in later posts!
