Black women often navigate unique stressors while balancing personal, family, professional, and community responsibilities. While resilience is frequently celebrated, the expectation to remain strong at all times can create barriers to seeking support, prioritizing self-care, and addressing mental health and sexual health needs.

This webinar explores the mental health experiences of Black women through both clinical and community-centered perspectives, highlighting the connections between emotional well-being, HIV education, and prevention. Participants will learn about common mental health challenges, the impact of stress and trauma, and how these experiences can influence sexual health decisions and engagement with HIV prevention services. Faculty will discuss healthy coping strategies, HIV testing, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and practical approaches for building emotional resilience, setting boundaries, and accessing culturally responsive care. By centering the experiences of Black women, this session aims to reduce mental health and HIV-related stigma, promote open dialogue, and support holistic approaches to wellness and prevention.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Discuss common mental health challenges and stressors that impact Black women’s emotional well-being and engagement with HIV prevention services
• Identify strategies for building resilience, establishing healthy boundaries, and supporting mental and sexual wellness
• Describe HIV prevention options, including HIV testing and PrEP, and the role of culturally responsive care and community resources in supporting access
• Identify approaches for reducing mental health and HIV-related stigma and fostering open conversations within Black communities

Faculty

Kristin Easley, MA, NCC, LPC

Kristin Easley is a Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor (NCC), and credentialed mental health therapist dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families navigate emotional, psychological, and behavioral challenges. She holds a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and brings a compassionate, client-centered approach to fostering healing, resilience, and personal growth. With extensive experience in clinical mental health counseling and healthcare services, Kristin has successfully supported clients through a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, life transitions, and family dynamics. Her therapeutic approach incorporates evidence-based interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), psychoeducational group facilitation, parent skills training, assertiveness training, coping skills development, behavioral modification planning, and crisis intervention.

Known for her empathy, professionalism, and ethical practice, Kristin is skilled at creating safe, supportive environments where clients from diverse backgrounds feel heard, respected, and empowered. Her expertise extends to conducting mental health assessments, navigating complex behavioral health systems, and collaborating across healthcare networks, including TRICARE, Veterans Choice, and Community Care Network programs. Kristin’s work is grounded in a commitment to holistic well-being, cultural responsiveness, and helping individuals build the tools needed to achieve lasting emotional health and meaningful life change. Her strengths in leadership, communication, confidentiality, and relationship-building continue to make her a trusted advocate and resource for those seeking support on their mental health journey.

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