In 2017, Nedra Glover Tawwab, a Charlotte, N.C.-based therapist, joined Instagram to expand her reach beyond her in-person therapy sessions. Her authentic representation of Black culture and her ability to relate to individuals who may not have access to or believe in therapy has made her one of the most followed therapists on the platform with over 1.8 million followers on Instagram and nearly 16,000 on TikTok.
Tawwab’s recent posts cover topics such as maintaining hope, nurturing healthy relationships between parents and adult children, reflecting on the past year with a set of questions, and destigmatizing difficult emotions like grief. She avoids giving personal feedback or diagnoses but provides valuable information and support that encourages individuals to seek professional help and develop therapeutic relationships in their local area.
Building an online presence has allowed Tawwab to connect with a wider audience beyond her in-person therapy sessions, where she could only see a limited number of people each week. By using language and visuals that resonate with Black audiences, she helps break down barriers and make therapy more accessible to marginalized communities. Feedback from Black women highlights how her relatable appearance and messaging create a sense of connection and comfort.
Although social media can be an effective tool for expanding mental health awareness, Tawwab emphasizes that it is just the starting point in the journey toward better mental health. Her ultimate goal is to provide information and support that encourages individuals to seek professional help and develop therapeutic relationships in their local area. Social media serves as a valuable entry point for those beginning to explore mental health topics but ultimately leads to deeper personal growth and healing in the hands of trained professionals.