Frequently asked questions
What is Gathered Well?
A Black-centered community of connection, collaboration, and collective care, created for and by Black mental health professionals. We gather for real relationships, resources, opportunity, and rest.
Who can attend?
Most professional gatherings are designed for Black mental-health professionals, associates, students, trainees, supervisors, educators, and related behavioral-health professionals across the African diaspora. Some events will welcome allied wellness practitioners or the broader public. Every event page will state its intended audience.
Do I need to be licensed?
No. Unless an individual event says otherwise, students, trainees, prelicensed professionals, and licensed clinicians are welcome.
Is Gathered Well only for therapists who serve Black clients?
No. Gathered Well centers the well-being and professional connection of Black mental-health providers. Black clinicians serve people and communities of many backgrounds.
Is this group therapy or clinical supervision?
No. Gatherings are not therapy, crisis care, clinical supervision, or a substitute for professional consultation. Specific educational or facilitated services will be clearly identified.
Are events free?
The first gatherings are intended to be free and sponsor-supported. Future special events will have a fee. We intend to pursue sponsorship and financial-access options whenever possible.
Will there be a membership?
Possibly. We will begin with gatherings, email connection, and resource-sharing. Paid annual membership will only be introduced after the community has consistent programming and clear recurring benefits.
Can I share referrals, jobs, groups, or events?
Yes. A resource-submission process is being developed. Submissions may be reviewed, edited, declined, or removed and do not constitute endorsement.
Can my business sponsor Gathered Well?
Yes. We welcome financial support, products, services, space, accessibility resources, and customized partnerships. Explore partnership options.
Are sponsorships tax deductible?
No charitable tax deduction is offered. Gathered Well is an initiative of Beautiful Souls Aligned, a for-profit business. Consult your own tax professional about whether sponsorship qualifies as a business or marketing expense.
Can a Black-owned business participate without donating?
Absolutely. Our community-commerce pathway welcomes paid services, product purchases, vending, discounts, and collaborations. We do not assume Black businesses should provide free labor or inventory.
How will you approach accessibility?
Each event page will provide specific venue, sensory, physical-access, cost, transportation, and accommodation information. You may request support without disclosing a diagnosis. Read our approach to accessibility.
Will events be photographed?
Photography is likely, but depends on the event. Registration pages will identify the policy, and we will provide a way to indicate that you do not want to be photographed whenever photography is present.