The Essence Behavioral Health

With a mission to heal and empower Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) by reducing the stigma of mental health care, The Essence Behavioral Health (TEBH) provides culturally responsive outpatient mental health treatment in Hartford, Connecticut. The center serves children, adolescents, and adults, offering in-person and virtual therapy that honors clients’ lived experiences while promoting equitable access to mental health care. Services include outpatient therapy, virtual care, intensive outpatient programming (IOP), and day treatment (PHP).

Therapy for the Whole Person

The Essence Behavioral Health uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy, Christian counseling, mindfulness techniques, and trauma and stress management. Clients can also participate in group psychotherapy, grief counseling, and coping skills training. Therapists help clients manage anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and stress while helping clients develop practical skills for managing emotions and daily challenges.

Group Sessions for Growth

The center addresses current symptoms along with past, historical, and racial trauma. Group sessions at The Essence Behavioral Health include Real Talk group designed for young men’s growth, In My Feels for young women ages 13-17 to process life, and The Confidence Crew for girls ages 11-14. The center also provides educational advocacy, helping parents navigate the education system and secure accommodations their children need.