Nice to Meet You
What started as one care package is now a movement to provide mental health support for Black girls.
MH Boxes was founded by Mila, a biracial teen who saw firsthand how mental health struggles among her peers were being ignored, dismissed, or punished rather than supported. She knew that Black girls needed to feel seen by people who looked like them and shared their experiences.
From that insight, MH Boxes was born: a peer-to-peer mental health initiative rooted in Black girl joy, affirmation, and the belief that healing begins when someone says, "You matter."
Today, MH Boxes has grown from one act of care into a comprehensive organization delivering care packages, leading youth-driven policy advocacy, and creating spaces where Black girls can confidently embrace their mental health.
Did you know?
Nearly half of all mental health conditions emerge by age 14, but only 34% of Black youth receive treatment (compared to 50% of white youth)
Suicide rates among Black girls ages 12–14 are rising by 6.6% annually—more than double the rate of boys in the same age group.
6.1 million African Americans live with mental illness, yet only 1 in 3 receives care
Black girls face higher rates of misdiagnosis and dismissal by healthcare providers. They're often disregarded rather than given care.
Less than 2% of U.S. mental health providers are Black women.
Black girls are facing a silent
mental health crisis
In Virginia alone, 20.2% of youth ages 12-17 report a major depressive episode.
Black girls are disproportionately punished and criminalized for behaviors tied to untreated mental health issues.
Stigma, mistrust, and structural barriers prevent many Black girls from seeking care.
Representation matters— seeing themselves reflected in care resources boosts Black girls’ self-worth and resilience.
We're doing something about it!
Black girls in
Our Leadership
Mila founded MH Boxes as a peer-to-peer initiative, and that spirit continues today through our Board of Directors and Her Voice Youth Board; where Black girls shape our programs, policies, and vision.
We are supported by mental health professionals, educators, community organizers, and corporate partners who believe in our mission and trust Black girls to lead.
Board of Directors
Carissa Henry
Founder & Board Chair
MH Boxes
"Sometimes you gotta just breathe, maybe give time, time."
Jeneane Henry
Board Vice Chair
Health Services Administrator
Physician Correctional USA
"It's ok to have hard days."
Morganne Bovee
Board Secretary
Founder
Empowered Community Consulting
"All feelings are okay."
Dr. Katie Nelson
Board Treasurer
Nurse Scientist
John Hopkins Bloomberg School
of Public Health
"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are."
Riqia "Riqi" Taylor
Owner
Insomnia Book Company
"Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive."