HYPE
November 22, 2024
Dr. Garrick Beauliere helps heal all things mental
Personnel Dr. Garrick Beauliere
Story by Deon Stubbs
Photography by REVOLTWORLD
When the conversation veers toward mental health in the Black community, Dr. Garrick Beauliere’s passion becomes palpable. “It started with a conversation,” he explains, reflecting on how Psych Me Out came to life. "My co-founder and I, Alexis Ferguson, were frustrated by how much misinformation about mental health was spreading on social media. We knew we had the expertise as licensed clinical psychologists—and, as Black millennials, we knew we could present it in a way that our community could truly relate to.” This unique positioning, they realized, made Psych Me Out unlike any other organization: “There just isn’t another mental health initiative founded by a millennial Black male and female psychologist. That alone helps us stand out.”
At its heart, Psych Me Out aims to bridge generational gaps in Black mental health conversations. “Our mission is straightforward: we want to improve the quality of life in our community by inspiring people to prioritize their mental health,” Garrick shares. This mission is upheld by three foundational values: education, community outreach, and acceptance. The organization’s initiatives are steeped in these principles, ensuring that every campaign and event fosters connection and understanding. But how does Psych Me Out ensure that the information it shares is accurate? “It’s a combination of our training and real-world experience,” Garrick says. Between the co-founders, their expertise spans schools, private practices, prisons, psychiatric hospitals, Veteran Affairs Medical Centers, and even child guidance clinics within the judicial system. Their collective knowledge covers everything from psychotic and neurodevelopmental disorders to mood and trauma-related challenges, making them deeply informed advocates. “We don’t just rely on our experiences, though,” Garrick clarifies. “We incorporate empirical research into everything we present. Whether it’s through our posts or public engagements, everything we share is grounded in evidence." One standout campaign, the “No Bad Energy” initiative, exemplified their ability to merge education with community action. “It was a huge success,” Garrick recalls, crediting Brennan Williams of Coloan Brands for inviting them to participate. With 50% of merchandise proceeds donated to Psych Me Out, the campaign spotlighted practical strategies for reframing negativity, practicing mindfulness, and setting healthy boundaries. “The feedback was incredible—people told us how much it helped them rethink their approach to mental health. It’s those moments that remind me why we do this work.”
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Beyond campaigns, the organization’s digital presence has become a central hub for outreach. Launched initially as an Instagram platform, Psych Me Out has since grown exponentially. "Being highlighted at the 2023 BET Awards was a turning point,” Garrick says. The recognition not only boosted their following by over a thousand but also opened doors to new collaborations nationwide. Still, Garrick remains grounded, emphasizing the importance of boundaries and self-care in managing his professional and personal commitments. “You can’t pour from an empty cup,” he reminds. “I make it a point to rest, set work limits, and focus on maintaining an identity beyond just productivity.”
Looking to the future, Psych Me Out has ambitious plans to expand its reach. The team is developing partnerships to deliver workshops, trainings, and consultations to organizations across the Tri-State and DMV areas. “We’ve already booked a training for early next year,” Garrick reveals. On social media, they plan to host more Instagram Live sessions with Black therapists and tackle under-discussed topics like emotional validation and vicarious trauma. Garrick is especially attuned to the nuances of addressing mental health needs for different segments of the Black community. “We’re always researching,” he says, emphasizing that Black people are not a monolith. “For example, the way trauma manifests in Black men versus Black women can be vastly different. And when you layer on other intersecting identities—whether it’s LGBTQ+ status, age, or socioeconomic factors—it gets even more complex. We make it a point to acknowledge those distinctions.”
Over the next five years, Garrick envisions a transformative shift in how the Black community engages with mental health. “I want therapy to feel as normal as going to the gym,” he says. “I’d love to see mental health terms being used correctly and schools or companies thinking of us first for trainings and workshops.” He’s also eager to establish more partnerships with brands that align with their mission.
For other mental health professionals hoping to make an impact, Garrick offers this advice: “Stay authentic. Learn about the cultural interventions that resonate with your community. Always educate yourself on research about ethnic cultures. And don’t forget to rest—you can’t help others if you’re burnt out.” From shattering myths to inspiring the next generation of advocates, Psych Me Out is more than an organization—it’s a movement, driven by a passion for breaking barriers and building bridges where they matter most.
