In the Media
Check here regularly to find updates on Dr. Alfiee’s recent talks, media (television, radio and podcasts) work along with mentions of her research and public speaking from news outlets.
All media requests are handled through Candice Nicole Public Relations. For all media inquiries, please use the Media Inquiries form at the bottom of the page.
VIDEOS

Deep Dive (Dec. 1): Supreme Court Hears Challenge to Roe v. Wade Abortion CaseNTD
All eyes are on the nation's capital as abortion is back in the spotlight. The Supreme Court is hearing oral arguments on banning abortions after 15 weeks. Chief Justice John Roberts-a key swing vote-seemed open to allowing states to ban abortions earlier in pregnancy, while leaving some parts of Roe v.

Managing Stress with Music (January 19, 2022)
It’s no secret that the pandemic has caused significant changes in mental health, and with new variants of the coronavirus, there is added stress. Dr. Alfiee M. Breland-Noble shares how families can manage this stress with music.

Sound it Out Campaign aims to help kids mental health during the pandemic (January 21, 2022 Fox61)
Dr. Alfiee was interviewed on a press tour discussing the Sound it Out campaign of Pivotal Ventures and the Ad Council supporting middle schooler mental health during the pandemic.


Deep Dive (December 1, 2021)
Dr. Alfiee was a featured expert on NTD News Deep Dive with Tiffany Meier discussing Mental Health Coping During the Holidays


Zerlina: Mental Health Matters
Dr. Alfiee was featured as a guest on "Zerlina", airing on NBC, to discuss women and mental health.


Thousands of American Children Lost Loved Ones to COVID-19 (October 14, 2021)
Dr. Alfiee was interviewed about the recent study in the Journal of Pediatrics which shows that over 140,000 children have lost a parent or caregiver to the virus – with children of color being the most heavily impacted.


The Breakfast Club (October 14, 2021)
Dr. Alfiee speaks about The AAKOMA Project, Mental Health Research + More.


Facebook Live with American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (September 10, 2021)
Dr. Alfiee will join Dr. Doreen Marshall on Fri. 9/10 around 4:00 PM est for a special guest interview as part of the AFSP's World Suicide Prevention Day with celebrity artists, partners, and mental health professionals, a free virtual concert and panels on mental health, suicide prevention, and more.


School Mask Mandate Update (August 20, 2021)
On August 20, 2021 Dr. Alfiee weighed in on parents displaying strong reactions to mask mandate debates in school board meetings around metro Atlanta. Among other factors, Dr. Alfiee explains that anxiety and misinformation are some of the key aspects contributing to the heated discussions.

CNN: The Lead with Jake Tapper (June 25, 2021)
Dr. Alfiee appeared with W. Kamau Bell, Anthony Barksdale (former Acting Baltimore Police Commissioner), and Elie Honig (former Assistant US Attorney for the Southern District of New York) to discuss the Derek Chauvin sentencing and its potential impact.

CNN: The Lead with Jake Tapper (May 25, 2021)
Dr. Alfiee was interviewed with Van Jones on a special episode of the Lead with Jake Tapper, hosted by Pamela Brown. This episode commemorated the One Year Anniversary of the Death of George Floyd.

CNN: The Lead with Jake Tapper (April 21, 2021)
Dr. Alfiee appeared with Van Jones and W. Kamau Bell on The Lead with Jake Tapper to discuss the various impacts of the verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial, as well as where we go from here.

CNN: The Lead with Jake Tapper (April 16, 2021)
Dr. Alfiee appeared with W. Kamau Bell on The Lead with Jake Tapper to discuss the continuing trauma that results from the Derek Chauvin trial, as well as other recent incidents of officer involved shootings. The conversation also involved the unique impact this is having on Black parents who no longer know how to talk to their kids about how to stay safe.


The Lead with Jake Tapper
Dr. Alfiee joined Jake Tapper to discuss the mental health impacts of civil unrest tied to racial injustice protests globally in support of #JusticeforGeorgeFloydBreonnaTaylor
RECENT NEWS
1/6/2022
Why Do Black Men Hide Mental Illness?
Studies show one in 10 Black men is living with depression, but experts believe many more are struggling in silence. Here’s how you can help.
12/30/2021
America slouches into a new pandemic year
We’ve been at it for 21 months. Rather, it’s been at us. Is this Wave No. 4 or 5? Doesn’t matter. Everyone seems to have it. Baby, it’s covid outside. Over the past two weeks, the text messages have been rolling in like a perverse countdown to 2022. Omicron.
12/18/2021
Don't Fall For The Christmas Happiness Trap
The movies, the ads, the perfectly curated Instagram pictures of decorations, wrapped presents, and matching family jammies all fuel this idea of what we think the holidays should be. When contrasted with our real-life experiences, we usually end up feeling disappointed, miserable, and frustrated long before we unwrap our first present.
12/17/2021
Instagram just got a whole lot safer for young people
The world of social media, though wonderful in keeping humans connected, has been fraught with toxicity. A new Instagram feature helps young people make informed decisions about how much time they’re spending on its platform. As a population, we’ve become consumed by social media.
12/13/ 2021
6 Ways To Validate Your Feelings Without Hurting Your Relationships, According to Dr. Alfiee
In modern mental health discourse, there is (rightly so) a lot of emphasis on our emotions.
How to get in touch with those emotions. How to recognize them. How to validate them.
12/9/2021
8 tips to vanquish the Sunday scaries and regain control of your weekendBusiness Insider
The “Sunday scaries,” or nervousness and worry that develop on Sunday, are pretty common. Sunday scaries often relate to stress and anxiety about the coming week. You can do a lot to ease the Sunday scaries and tracking down the source is a good place to start.
November 16, 2021
Member of the Moment: AAKOMA Project
Dr. Alfiee and the AAKOMA Project were featured as the Industrious Office’s Member of the Moment in one of its weekly blog entries. The Article highlighted Dr. Alfiee’s background, her passion for youth mental health, particularly for youth from marginalized backgrounds or with marginalized identities, and the work of the AAKOMA Project.
November 12, 2021
I took a mental health job leave, here's why you should too
Dr. Alfiee spoke with Siobhan Neela-Stock about stress in the workplace and when it may be time to take action in this article for Fortune. She discussed how to know when it may be wise to take a mental health break from your job vs when you may merely need to make an adjustment to something in the workplace, and the advantages that can result from the break. She provided practical considerations for making the decision, speaking not only as a clinician, but as someone who has made the decision herself.
October 28, 2021
Black Mental Health Alliance Hosts 3rd Annual Dr. Maxie T. Collier VIP Reception and Awards Ceremony
Dr. Alfiee was one 5 individuals honored at the 3rd Annual Dr. Maxie T. Collier VIP Reception and Awards Ceremony conducted by the Black Mental Health Alliance. Dr. Alfiee was the Honoree of the Arising Phoenix Award for the People’s Choice for Inspiring Hope.
October 5, 2021
13 Times It's Time to Consider Therapy
As part of her efforts to eliminate the stigma associated with therapy, Dr. Alfiee spoke with Self medical journalist, Dr. Jessica Gold, about the various reason therapy could be beneficial, including helping an individual when some part of the individual’s life feels stagnant, unfulfilled, or stuck.
September 29, 2021
10 Common Return-to-Work Concerns -- and How to Mentally Prepare for Them
Now that many work places are re-opening for in person working arrangements, a number of concerns are arising among workers who have spent the last year or more working from home. Dr. Alfiee spoke with Self health reporter, Dr. Jessica Gold, about a number of these concerns, including fear of losing work-life balance and needing to experience micro-agressions in the workplace, and what employees can do to prepare themselves for the return to work and the anxieties this change in working arrangements may cause.
October 10, 2021
Exploring Suicide and Young Black Men: Why The Brothers Feel So Alone
Dr. Alfiee talked about the stigmatization of mental unwellness among Black people, discussing the additional factors that weigh on Black men specifically.
October 6, 2021
4 Natural Supplements That Will *Actually* Help You Focus Better
Dr. Alfiee discussed how concerns like ADHD, anxiety, depression, and poor focus in adults can arise from several factors including poor sleep hygiene, fatigue, overwork, and over-scheduling.
September 10, 2021
What to Do If Your Anxiety and Depression Spiked During the Pandemic
Dr. Alfiee describes how using one’s five senses as a technique of mindful meditation can help people who are feeeling stressed.
August 27, 2021
What is Executive Dysfunction
Dr. Alfiee explains the characteristics of both executive function and Executive Dysfunction and when executive dysfunction might be a part of a larger issue in one’s mental health.
August 26, 2021
Life But Better: How to Tell if Your Stress Levels are Normal or the Sign of Something Else
In an article by CNN’s Megan Marples, Dr. Alfiee explains when stress may be a sign of generalized anxiety disorder.
August 5, 2021
Did You Know It's Possible to Have a Panic Attack in Your Sleep?
Dr. Alfiee addresses some of the factors behind the occurrence of nocturnal panic attacks.
July 27, 2021
7 Ways Therapists Personally Deal with Burnout
Dr. Alfiee was interviewed by Dominique Astorino about self-care that mental health professionals use when they feel drained or unmotivated.
7/19/2021
16 products to help ease the stress and anxiety of post-pandemic life
Dr. Alfiee speaks with Insider about life moving past the events of the 2020 pandemic and self-care.
7/16/2021
It's Hard to Search for a Therapist of Color. These Websites Want to Change That.
Dr. Alfiee was interviewed by Christina Caron about the meaning of cultural competence and why it is so difficult to find a therapist of color.
7/8/2021
Commentary: Anxiety, depression, Naomi Osaka and me
Dr. Alfiee was interviewed by Daryl Moore about how African Americans deal with anxiety and depression, why Black people are less likely to receive treatment for mental illness than their White counterparts, and what some of the key factors are in existing racial mental health disparities.
6/30/2021
11 Coping Skills Therapists Use for Dealing with Their (Really Hard) Jobs
Dr. Jessica Gold interviewed Dr. Alfiee and other highly respected mental health providers about how the pandemic has affected their caseload, their working conditions, and the stresses that both place upon them professionally and personally, as well as techniques they utilize for self-care.
6/23/2021
Mental Wealth Alliance Founder Charlamagne Tha God to Honor LA Foster Youth at the LA County Independent Living Program's 2021 Virtual High School Graduation & Scholarship Award Celebration
Dr. Alfiee and the AAKOMA Project have joined forces with Charlamagne Tha God and the Mental Wealth Alliance to honor LA foster youth via access to free therapy for a number of LA foster youth college scholarship winners.
6/1/2021
For these women, Naomi Osaka’s mental health stand hit close to home: ‘It’s like taking your power back’
Dr. Alfiee was interviewed for an article by Anne Branigin of Washington Post’s the Lily about Naomi Osaka’s mental health stance and how it resonates with many working women.
5/29/2021
We Need To Talk About Black Therapist Burnout
Dr. Alfiee was interviewed for an article by Dr. Jessica Gold about burnout in Black therapists — why it is occurring, the extent of the problem, and steps Black therapists are taking in order to combat the problem.
5/24/2021
‘Racial Battle Fatigue,’ and 365 Days of Trauma
Dr. Alfiee was interviewed by Arionne Nettles, for an article marking the 1 year anniversary of the George Floyd’s murder. The article discusses racial battle fatigue and 365 consecutive days of trauma.
5/19/2021
'In Treatment' Is Back. How Does That Make You Feel?
Dr. Alfiee spoke with journalist, Alexis Soloski of the New York Times about the necessity for there to be more representation of not just Black people in entertainment roles, but of maximally effective Black clinicians.
5/17/2021
Why is Finding a Therapist So Hard? Help!
Dr. Alfiee was interviewed by Elizabeth Gulino on why the process of finding a therapist can be so difficult and tips for how to find an affordable one that is compatible with your needs.
5/7/2021
Therapy on Aisle 7: Retailers Are Entering the Mental Health Market
Dr. Alfiee was interviewed by Christina Caron about the emergence of mental health services now being provided by pharmacists in response to people finding it difficult to know where to get started on the process of locating a therapy.
5/6/2021
A Conversation on Mental Health Panel Update
Dr. Alfiee joined former NBA player Lamar Odom and Project Healthy Minds CEO Phillip Schermer for “A Conversation on Mental Health,” moderated by MadHappy Co-Founder Mason Spector. The conversation focused on how the pandemic has brought mental health challenges to the forefront, what the panelists have learned about their own mental health, and steps everyone can take to promote their own mental health.
5/6/2021
I Am a Woman of Color. Why Do I Ignore That When It Comes to My Mental Health?
Dr. Alfiee spoke with Estelle Tang of Buzz Feed News for an article that discusses the lack of culturally diverse mental health care providers and the need for mental health care to take into account race and culture.
5/2/2021
Mental health campaign aimed at helping teens 'Sound It Out'
Dr. Alfiee was interviewed in connection with the Sound It Out, a joint project with Pivotal Ventures and the Ad Council. This new national campaign, which is focused on middle school age children, uses the power of music to help parents and caregivers have conversations with their children about emotional wellbeing.
4/22/2021
After Chauvin's Guilty Verdict, Many Felt Something Like Relief. But What Comes Next?
Dr. Alfiee was interviewed for an article on Refinery29.com on the psychological impacts of the verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial, both the initial sense of relief, followed by more complex emotions.
4/19/2021
What The Nevers & Made for Love Aren't Saying About Suicide, But Should
Dr. Alfiee was interviewed for an article on Refinery29.com about the psychological impacts of shows that show scenes of death by suicide that are not strictly required for the plot can have when the context is not discussed.
4/5/2021
The Derek Chauvin trial is another media spectacle that causes trauma rather than healing
Dr. Alfiee was interviewed on the continuing psychological impacts that result from the continuing coverage of the Derek Chauvin trial, including the vicarious trauma that is experienced by George Floyd’s family and members of the Black community as a whole given the continual replaying of the video and the graphic details of Mr. Floyd’s death provided during the trial testimony.
3/11/2021
After a Year of Isolation, Are Introverts Doing Okay?
Dr. Alfiee spoke with Elizabeth Gulino of Refinery29 on the anniversary of the U.S. shutdowns in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic. In the article, Dr. Alfiee discusses how continuing isolation negatively impacts even introverts, sometimes leading to too much “maladaptive alone time.”
3/8/2021
These women saw themselves in Meghan’s mental health struggles: It ‘really hit because I’ve been there’
Dr. Alfiee spoke with Anne Branigin of The Lily the day after Meghan Markle’s heartbreaking interview with Oprah Winfrey. She discussed the additional pressures that individuals from marginalized communities, and in particular Black women, face and how those pressures can negatively impact mental health. Dr. Alfiee also discussed the necessity of stories, such as the Duchess’, as important for normalizing conversations about mental illness and decrease the stigma.
3/8/2021
How COVID-19 Will Change Mental Health Care In The Future
Dr. Alfiee spoke with Lindsay Holmes of HuffPost as part of their “Bent Not Broken” social media feature discussing the changes that we are seeing after one year of living through the pandemic. One of the changes she discussed is the greater willingness of some people to seek mental health support due to increased focus on and conversations surrounding mental health.
1/15/2021
6 Ways To Relieve Your "Winter Pandemic Scaries" | (Refinery29.com)
Dr. Alfiee was interviewed for an article titled 6 Ways to Relieve Your “Winter Pandemic Scaries”.
11/30/2020
Amid COVID and Racial Unrest, Black Churches Put Faith in Mental Health Care
Dr. Alfiee was interviewed for a Kaiser Health News article on the topic of mental health professionals and Black churches combining to promote mental health. Portions of this interview were contained in articles released on both CNN.com and KHN.org, entitled Black Churches Enlist Mental Health Pros to Support Community. These articles highlight the work perform by Dr. Alfiee’s nonprofit, The AAKOMA Project, with Black churches to reach a diverse segment of the Black community and raise mental health awareness.
11/20/2020
Will Biden Be Able to Tackle The Mental Health Crisis in the US? - Reset (resetyoureveryday.com)
Dr. Alfiee was interviewed for an article titled Promises to Keep: Will Joe Biden Be Able to Tackle America’s Growing Mental Health Crisis? This article discussed the American mental health crisis that President-Elect Biden will inherit and interviewed mental health professionals and young people to get their opinions on what should be the incoming Administration’s top priorities.
11/4/20
Angry About the Way Your Family Voted? Read This.
Dr. Alfiee spoke with Molly Longman of Refinery29 to help our nation process how we cope emotionally with differing political views in the family.
11/3/20
What is High Functioning Anxiety?
Dr. Alfiee spoke with Shape Magazine’s Dominique Astorino to discuss this new concept of anxiety in people who appear to have everything under control.
PODCASTS

A CONVERSATION FOR WELLBEING: REDEFINE YOU
Dr. Alfiee was a guest on the new podcast, A Conversation for Wellbeing: Redefine You with Haley Hasselhoff to discuss the reality that how we talk about mental health with those suffering from mental illnesses can be the difference between life and death, making the need to learn more about each other and communities, cultures, and ethnicities different than our own of paramount importance to anyone who seeks to help friends, colleagues, and loved ones live happier lives.

WHUR: THE DAILY DRUM WITH HAROLD FISHER
Dr. Alfiee and Dr. Alfred Amado spoke with Harold Fisher for The Daily Drum’s Insight Segment on What to Know About Teen Suicide. They discussed the dramatic increase over the last few years in teen suicide, particularly in connection with teens of color, signs to watch for, and what can be done when a parents believe their children may be struggling. This topic was tackled in connection with Mental Illness Awareness Week.

AUDACY: I'M LISTENING
Dr. Alfiee joined Carson Daly as co-hosts for the Audacy stations annual I’m Listening special broadcast. This program is part of Audacy’s 365-day-a-year initiative to help end the stigma of talking about mental health as well as to help those who may be dealing with mental health struggles to realize that they are not alone. This 2-hour program, which was broadcast live on Audacy’s 230+ radio channels plus livestreamed over it’s digital app, also featured segments by Billie Eilish, Lil Nas X, Lizzo, Shakira, Justin Bieber, Cleveland Cavaliers’Kevin Love, Rage Against the Machine’sTom Morello, Bleachers’ Jack Antonoff.

Facebook Live Audio Room with Tayla Parx
Dr. Alfiee was special guest to celebrity actress and singer Tayla Parx discussing coping mechanisms and how they can help you in your day-to-day life (friend to AAKOMA Dr. Charmain Jackman of Innopsych was also a guest on the chat).

The Black Mental Wellness Lounge
Black Mental Wellness Lounge host, Brandon Johnson, interviewed Dr. Alfiee about her nonprofit, The AAKOMA Project, and supporting youth going back to school.

Minding Your Mind Podcast Ep.20: Achieving Optimal Mental Health with Dr. Alfiee – Minding Your Mind
Dr. Alfiee speaks on her mission to help diverse and marginalized people achieve optimal mental health, the barriers that the Black community faces with finding mental health support, and the inspiration for starting The AAKOMA Project.

The Daily Drum with Harold Fisher: WHUR 96.3 FM
Dr. Alfiee and professional chef and LGBTQ advocate Gee Smalls, were interviewed by Harold Fisher for a special Pride Month and the Black LGBTQ Community celebration on The Daily Drum.

We Are Channel Q
Dr. Alfiee was interviewed on the popular podcast, Let’s Go There with Shira and Ryan, about Naomi Osaka’s comments about withdrawing from the French open and the heavy impact that is often placed on the mental health of athletes.

1-2-1: Joseph Altuzarra/Nicole Richie/Dr. Alfiee
Dr. Alfiee joined world renowned fashion designer Joseph Altuzarra and global actress and entrepreneur Nicole Richie as part of the Mental Health Coalition’s 1 -2 -1 series, which discussed the importance of protecting one’s mental health, especially given the past year of dramatic change.

Gideon's Promise: The Podcast
Dr. Alfiee was joined by Silence the Shame’s Shanti Das and attorney Zanele Ngubeni on the Gideon’s Promise podcast. The ladies discussed how to improve the negative stigma associated with mental health issues in marginalized communities, how to assist someone in a mental health crisis, and many other topics.

1-2-1: Charlamagne Tha God/Devi Brown/Dr. Alfiee
Dr. Alfiee joined Charlamagne Tha God and Devi Brown as part of the Mental Health Coalition’s 1 -2 -1 series, which discussed the importance of protecting one’s mental health and maintaining positive supportive relationships.

We Are Channel Q
Dr. Alfiee was interviewed for an article on the popular podcast, Let’s Go There with Shira and Ryan, about the psychological impacts of the verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial.

WGVU Grand Rapids/Muskegon
Dr. Alfiee was interviewed in connection with the Sound It Out, a joint project with Pivotal Ventures and the Ad Council. This new national campaign, which is focused on middle school age children, uses the power of music to help parents and caregivers have conversations with their children about emotional wellbeing.

Addy Hour
Dr. Alfiee was interviewed with Doug Middleton, Jacksonville Jaguars safety and founder of Dream the Impossible Initiative, on the new podcast Addy Hour with Dr. Nii Addy, where they discussed tackling disparities and stigma in the mental health space.

Audibles Original: We’ve Got Answers
Radio Hall of Fame inductee and best-selling author Charlamagne Tha God—one of the most distinctive voices in modern culture—partnered with author James Altucher, Dr. Alfiee, and 12 other Black experts and thought leaders in their fields to move the painfully stubborn needle on race relations in America. Introducing We’ve Got Answers, an Audibles Original and Charlamagne’s self-described “safe space for unsafe questions,” where America’s most basic, sincere, and yes, at times, ignorant questions about Black America get unequivocally answered. We’ve Got Answers, features today’s Nina Turner, Tezlyn Figaro, Bishop William Barber II, Eboni K. Williams, Corey Minor Smith, Dr. Claud Anderson, Tamika D. Mallory, Jamila T. Davis, Nuri Muhammad, Eric Adams, Erika Alexander, David Banner, and of course, Dr. Alfiee.

The Daily Drum: WHUR & Sirius XM CH.141
Dr. Alfiee was interviewed as part of the daily insights segment of The Daily Drum to discuss the continuing psychological ramifications of the Derek Chauvin trial.

Coco Caliente
Dr. Alfiee was interviewed on the popular podcast Coco Caliente where she discussed translating scientific knowledge about mental health disparities into engaging and actionable ideas for the public.

AcaDames
Listen as Dr. Alfiee discusses how and why she turned her academic research lab into a successful 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the AAKOMA Project, centered around improving mental health for BIPOC communities and youth. she was open and transparent about her experiences in toxic academic spaces and how she fought for her own mental health throughout her time there.

Cultivating H.E.R. Space
Dr. Alfiee was interviewed for Cultivating H.E.R. Space where she discussed mental health issues of BIPOC youth, young adults, and young at heart. She also discussed the toxic systems mental health providers navigate and how these same providers prioritize being a safe space for youth and young adults.

A Flawless Talk
Dr. Alfiee participated in a Flawless Talk with the Flawless Foundation where she discussed her take on Black History Month, self-care, and more.

We Are Channel Q
Dr. Alfiee was interviewed on the popular show Let’s Go There with Shira & Ryan on We Are Channel Q on how to deal with being lonely on Valentine’s Day.

You're at Home, Baby! FM4
Dr. Alfiee was interviewed for this popular Austrian radio show “You’re at Home, Baby” on the Austrian Broadcasting Co. FM4 Station program in a segment known as “Where Is My Mind Around the World – Cultural Differences Matter.”

The End Of Lockdown...
Dr. Alfiee was interviewed on the popular podcast, Let’s Go There with Shira & Ryan, on We Are Channel Q discussing how therapists deal with burnout.