On May 31, in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Dr. Tierra Therese Ellis, founder of Psyches of Color Inc., and her team of experts, interns, and fellows presented a day of self-care and self-love to the Black and Latinx communities of Los Angeles.
Held as the inaugural “Psyches of Color Wellness Day,” the event featured diverse healing experiences including free haircuts, hair braiding, a makeup artist workshop, and mental health panels. Attendees were also treated to a comedy show and music provided by South Central Los Angeles native, DJ Lolis.
One of the featured creatives was makeup artist Camylle Robinson, who calls herself a “self-care artist.”
Robinson explained, “A self-care artist is someone who nurtures the mental, emotional and spiritual well-being of themselves and others.” She added, “I started doing makeup at 14. It helps people feel confident and beautiful in their own skin.”
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Another vendor, barber Marcos Rincones, emphasized the mental wellness side of his craft.
“A haircut can be more than just a fresh look—it can be a chance to talk, connect, and check in,” he said. “It’s important to have a space where people feel safe to open up.”
Hairstylist DeAndra Quarles also shared her unique journey. A graduate of Cal State Dominguez Hills with a degree in psychology and dance, Quarles became a licensed cosmetologist in 2016 after studying at El Camino College.
“As a hairstylist, I enjoy serving others and helping individuals look and feel great about themselves,” she said. “Looking good can help a person’s confidence and self-esteem.” She currently works at Phenix Salon Suites and previously styled youth at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall.
The day’s mental health panel was led by Dr. Ellis, who asked, “What does a healthy community look like?”
Adriana Alejandre, a trauma therapist, responded, “A healthy community is one in which we support each other and abolish juvenile prisons. We need to support our communities.”
Dr. Lamothe-Francois added, “We must care for our communities and find mentors—your village.” She continued, “A healthy community is where we don’t judge or shame each other, but where respect is foundational. We need to normalize what we go through, like depression.” She noted that many Latinx students shared that mental health remains a taboo topic at home.
Lamothe-Francois received her Ph.D. in counseling psychology from Texas A&M University and earned her undergraduate degree from California State University, Northridge.
“The new generation can help their families talk about mental health,” she said.
Dr. Ramar Henderson, an assistant professor in the Department of Counselor Education and Rehabilitation at Cal State LA, stressed unity.
“Blacks and Latinx communities must realize we should not compare our struggles,” he said. “It doesn’t help to fight each other—it helps to heal together.”
The day concluded with a comedy show, where several comedians offered laughter and joy as a form of mental wellness.
“The goal of Psyches of Color is to use strengths-based and culturally relevant approaches to provide mental health support to Black and Latinx adolescents and young adults, ages 13–25,” said Dr. Ellis. “We promote radical healing. Our interns and fellows serve as inspirations for future mental health professionals.”
Many interns go on to study psychology or related fields. Dr. Ellis, who holds a Ph.D. in school psychology from Howard University and dual bachelor’s degrees in psychology and African & African American studies from Arizona State University, also has a minor in dance. She is both a licensed clinical psychologist and school psychologist.
Before founding Psyches of Color, she worked at the D.C. Superior Courts conducting psychological evaluations on court-involved youth, and supported incarcerated students in East Baltimore and Jessup, Maryland.
“The voices of the youth became the inspiration for starting Psyches of Color Inc.,” she said.
Dr. Ellis also wears the crown of Miss Compton USA and will compete in the Miss California USA pageant in August. Her platform centers around her work with Psyches of Color.
For more information, visit www.psychesofcolor.org, email [email protected], or call (323) 432-0389.
