Welcome to the National Association of Black Counselors (NABC), a dynamic membership and advocacy organization committed to advancing Black mental health. Our mission is rooted in the recognition of a critical need – the need for a dedicated space where Black clinicians can thrive, learn, and make a profound impact on the mental well-being of Black individuals and communities.

Our History:

In 2018, Dr. Faye Barner and Tamara Ferebee, visionaries in the field of mental health, came together to address the unique challenges and opportunities facing Black mental health professionals. They recognized that the mental health landscape required a transformative space where Black clinicians could not only stay informed about the latest therapy advances but also find unwavering support, a platform to be heard, and a context that respects and understands their cultural nuances. This vision led to the establishment of the National Association of Black Counselors.

Our Commitment: At NABC, we are committed to championing the cause of Black mental health on multiple fronts:

Advocacy: We advocate for equitable mental health access, eliminating disparities, and dismantling systemic barriers that affect Black individuals seeking mental health services.

Education: We provide a hub for Black clinicians to continuously enhance their skills, stay updated on therapeutic breakthroughs, and engage in ongoing professional development.  

Community: We foster a nurturing and supportive community where Black clinicians can network, collaborate, and share their experiences and insights.

Cultural Relevance: We emphasize the importance of culturally relevant and sensitive approaches to mental health, ensuring that our work aligns with the diverse needs of the Black community.

Empowerment: We empower Black mental health professionals to lead, educate, and advocate within their communities, driving positive change.

MISSION

To provide an organization for African-American people to advocate for, and advance the mental health and well-being of African-American people, organizations, communities, and the African diaspora through research, professional practice, education, advocacy, policy setting, and reform. 

VISION

NABC is a nationally recognized professional association (and supportive community) that enhances and encourages professional growth and endeavors in the field of counseling and mental health;  NABC also welcomes all that have concern and interest in the overall health and mental health affecting those of African ancestry in the United States (and abroad.) The vision of the National Association of Black Counselors is to ensure that all counselors possess the knowledge, attitude, and skills to ensure that the mental health needs of the African-American community and the African diaspora are competently attended to and addressed for the individual and the collective.

OBJECTIVES

In support of our commitment, NABC works to:

1. Provide education, training, and professional development for aspiring professionals and current professionals in the field of counseling, who share concerns and interests of issues impacting black health and mental health.

2. Enhance the health, mental health, and well-being of black populations and the African diaspora. 

3. Advocate for black providers and educators in the counseling profession.

4. Increase the number of licensed professional counselors of African descent.

5. Act as guides and resources for paraprofessionals in counseling to maintain the highest standards of care, service, integrity, and professionalism.

6. Increase the African-American presence in leadership in the field of counseling.

7. Encourage professional relationships among professional counselors, educators, students, and paraprofessionals who share similar concerns and interests about the black community and the African diaspora.

Leadership Team at the National Association of Black Counselors (NABC)

Founders:

  Dr. Faye Barner

Executive Director of Counselor Education and Supervision, and Co-Founder of the National Association of Black Counselors

Dr. Faye Barner is a licensed professional counselor, licensed substance abuse treatment practitioner, and certified sex offender treatment provider with over 15 years of experience in the mental health field. She also serves as a professor in Counselor Education and Supervision. Dr. Barner is a role model, mentor, and clinical supervisor to numerous students, specializing in working with children and adolescents. She earned her Doctor of Philosophy from Regent University in Counselor Education and Supervision.

  Tamara Ferebee

Executive Director of Human Services Administration, and Co-Founder of the National Association of Black Counselors

Tamara Ferebee is a licensed professional counselor with over 20 years of experience. She is dedicated to counseling and causes that make a difference in people's lives. Tamara has worked in various settings and has a particular passion for working with families, couples, multicultural populations, women, and faith-based organizations. She has also advocated for addressing suicide, trauma, and grief. Apart from counseling, Tamara is passionate about teaching, training, mentoring, and consulting. She serves as a clinical supervisor and mentor to many and is pursuing her Doctorate of Education in Human Services Administration at NOVA Southeastern University.

NABC’s Executive Committee:

The Executive Committee is the governing body of NABC, responsible for overseeing the organization's activities and ensuring its mission and goals are met. It consists of NABC's Executive Directors, elected and appointed officers, and members of NABC's Divisions. The Executive Committee holds the fiduciary duty to protect the organization's resources and strategically address issues facing the counseling profession.

Current Executive Committee:

 Dr. M. Nickleson Battle, Jr. - President

  Angele Moss-Baker - Vice President

 Dr. A'Tasha Christian - Secretary

 Dr. Latonia Laffitte - Treasurer

 Chasity Fowlkes - Member-At-Large

 Clayton Andrews - Member-At-Large

 Shareka Eldridge - Member-At-Large

  Niclole Hunter - Member-At-Large

These dedicated individuals collectively contribute to the leadership and direction of NABC, working together to advance the organization's mission and advocate for Black mental health and the counseling profession.