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.
VIDEOS
FOX59 Indianapolis (April 29, 2021)
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.
Mental Health Round Table (April 28, 2021)
Dr. Alfiee discussed mental health and wellness in BIPOC communities with Andria McClellan, candidate for Virginia Lt. Governor. Topics discussed included barriers to mental health treatment, decreasing stigma, and self-care practices.
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.
On COVID-19 and Anxiety (Mar. 10, 2021)
Chinese Global Television (CGTN America) interviews Dr. Alfiee on the effects of COVID-19 on already existing anxiety. She offered many helpful suggestions for becoming more aware of signs and symptoms while not becoming overly fearful of Internet-generated diagnoses.
The Special Report: Black Women, Race & The Royal Family
Dr. Alfiee appeared on Areva Martin's program discussing social/racial justice and mental health issues raised in that now world-famous Meghan Markle interview with Oprah Winfrey.
The Special Report: Healing During Crises
The Special Report: COVID-19 Survivors
The Special Report: Physical & Mental Impact of the 2nd Coronavirus Wave
The Special Report: Surviving the Holidays
The Special Report: Surviving the Holidays, Covid-19 Safety, Stress, & Relationships
The Special Report with Areva Martin: Facebook LIVE
Dr. Alfiee was interviewed on a popular video podcast, I’m Listening with Dr. Chris, on Radio.com discussing and answering mental health questions.
WHUR: The Special Edition of the Daily Drum (12/16/2020)
How do we find our happy place for 2020 even as the pandemic presents new challenges for the black community and our mental well-being?
I’m Listening with Dr. Chris: Video Podcast
Dr. Alfiee was interviewed on a popular video podcast, I’m Listening with Dr. Chris, on Radio.com discussing and answering mental health questions.
Dr. Oz moderated this event featuring Dr. Alfiee and Dr. Judith Joseph on the topic of Black Mental Health: From Surviving to Thriving.
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
The Special Report with Areva Martin: Lead Up to the VP Debate
Dr. Alfiee joins Areva Martin in a panel discussion about the Vice Presidential Debate of Oct. 2020.
Dealing with emotional stress of a dual pandemic
Dr. Alfiee joins WUSA9 to discuss how to cope with enormous stress of pandemic.
How To Engage Black Colleagues at Work
[From YouTube] The recent unrest is taking a mental toll on the black community. A psychologist offers advice on how to show support for coworkers who may be struggling.
Virginia Doctor’s Mental Health Initiative Offers Help for African-American Communities
[NBC News4 Washington] African-Americans have been hard hit by coronavirus, but the impact isn’t just physical. Health experts are also worried about the mental toll on communities of color. News4’s Cory Smith reports some organizations are now teaming up to provide free help.
Roland Martin Unfiltered: Mental Health, African Americans and COVID-19
Dr. Alfiee joined Roland Martin to talk about Mental Health specifically in African American communities.
How COVID-19 Could Affect Mental Health and Suicide
COVID-19 could be a “perfect storm” for suicide – triggered by social isolation combined with economic distress and health stress (Chris Adams, NPF). Dr. Alfiee speaks with 200 journalists from around the world on the mental health impacts of COVID-19.
Dr. Alfiee's Work Featured on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah
We were all over the moon to see Trvor Noah reference The AAKOMA Project and Dr. Alfiee on the Daily Show with In this excellent segment called “If You Don’t Know, Now You Know”, he discusses mental health and Black people.
"A Most Beautiful Thing Film" Screening at Motion Picture Association of America
Dr. Alfiee joined the producer and stars of the new film, "A Most Beautiful Thing" at the World screening of the film in Washington, DC Feb. 2020. The film tells the inspiring story of the first all African American male rowing team from the Westside of Chicago.
Fox 32 Good Day Chicago:Concerns Rise Over Teen Suicide Rate During Pandemic
Dr. Alfiee joins Good Day Chicago anchors to discuss teen suicide fears during pandemic.
Mental Health Awareness Month Detroit FoxNews 2
Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble, a media personality and Founder of the AAKOMA Project, Inc. visited Detroit on a speaking tour of local high schools.
(Audio from WHYY The Pulse) Silenced by fear: New moms worry postpartum depression could mean losing their children
Dr. Alfiee is expert discussing the mental health disparities faced by women of color with postpartum depression in interview by Aneri Pattani of the Philadelphia Inquirer (a collaboration with the Pulse radio program).
National Health Research Forum
Research!America’s National Health Research Forum hosted Dr. Alfiee as a panelist with the directors of the NIH, NSF and other colleagues to discuss BIPOC, inclusion and diversity in biomedical research.
RECENT NEWS
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.
10/16/20
How to Emotionally Prepare for the Election Outcome
Dr. Alfiee joined Dominique Astorino and Shape magazine to discuss how you can emotionally prepare yourself for any outcome of the contentious 2020 presidential election.
10/10/2020
Black Girl Magic and Black Boy Joy Start with Healthy Minds - Evoke
Dr. Alfiee is featured on Melinda Gates blog and writes ” I often wonder if the cost of our failing to act on the mental health needs of Black youth and youth of color is losing a generation of healthy, thriving minds.”
10/9/2020
A Psychologist Says #ProtectBlackWomen By Prioritizing Your Peace: “We Are Required To Stand Up And Put Ourselves First”
Dr. Alfiee speaks on not letting the “strong Black woman” label weigh Black women down, and how they can shield themselves from the negativity they take in from social media and the world around them.
10/07/2020
Why You Physically Feel Like Sh*t After Therapy, Explained by Mental Health Pros
Turns out, working through all that mental and emotional trauma can absolutely take a physical toll. Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble shares that data with Black women and Black men have shown something called the weathering effect. It impacts bodies on a cellular level and is transferable genetically.
10/7/2020
How to Stay Calm During the Vice-Presidential Debate According to Meditation and Mental Health Experts
This election season comes with an unprecedented level of stress. Dr. Alfiee weighs in on how to Stay Calm during the Vice-Presidential debate.
10/2/2020
The Six Things No One Tells you About Grief
Long-standing grief can make it hard for us to move on as adults. “It often feels like we are reliving the same pain over and over until we learn how to process it better to get our needs met,” says Dr. Alfiee.
9/22/2020
What is Election Stress Disorder?
Dr. Afliee shares mental health tips for those who may feel a heightened sense of anxiety around the 2020 presidential election.
August 21, 2020
The Stigma Around Psychiatric Medication Is Forcing People to Suffer In Silence
Dominique Michelle Astorino share a powerful account of her journey to acceptance of the help that can come from using psychiatric medications as a means of support and discusses the stigma that keeps so many others from seeking care with Dr. Alfiee.
July 16, 2020
Elijah McClain and the pitfalls of the "perfect victim" narrative
Melissa Pandinka interviews Dr. Alfiee for this powerful story about the need to honor all victims of police brutality and the harms that come from seeking “perfect victims” to excuse aberrant behavior.
June 28, 2020
Story from UNBOTHERED: Why It’s So Critical To Talk To Your Family About Race
In this season of social unrest, conversations about race can be hard. Dr. Alfiee offers ideas to Refinery29 to help
June 9, 2020
The Many Ways White Parents Benefit From White Privilege—and How That Can Change
Dr. Alfiee spoke with Melissa Mills of Parents.com to share ideas on how White parents can be active, authentic allies in educating their children and themselves about anti-racism.
June 8, 2020
What Black mamas can do to care for their mental health
This is a special guest editorial written by Dr. Alfiee in support of Black mothers during this time of social unrest and daily racial trauma.
June 5, 2020
Feeling hopeless after a tough week? Here are 5 things that may help
CNN’s Melissa Mahtani interviews Dr. Alfiee and summarizes 5 of her essential strategies for engaging in active coping for mental health.
June 2, 2020
Before You Check In On Your Black Friend, Read This
Dr. Alfiee spoke with Elizabeth Gulino to describe the distinctions between effective and performative allyship for white and privileged allies to support those they care about during tis time of social unrest.
January 2020
Finding a therapist can be hell for marginalized people. This app wants to help.
Dr. Alfiee is featured expert in this excellent article on Mic.com profiling the new @ayanaapp that helps people of color and marginalized groups seek care for mental health and well-being. Melissa Pandinka reports.
January 2020
Dr. Alfiee Featured in the Psychotherapy Networker Magazine (Point of View)
For this new year of 2020, Dr. Alfiee starts with a bang as she is profiled in the Psychotherapy Networker Magazine discussion her passion for addressing mental health disparities facing African Americans and other people of color with a focus on teens and youth. Dr. Ryan Howes writes the profile.
October 29, 2019
Colleges struggle to help growing number of students with mental health trouble
Deidre Fernandes spoke with Dr. Alfiee to gain her insights into the challenges faced by marginalized students and students of color in accessing culturally relevant mental health care on college campuses.
September 2019
Improving Care and Outcomes for People with Anxiety Disorders
[PCORI Annual Meeting Website] This breakout session includes PCORI-funded research studies comparing evidence-based interventions in the treatment of anxiety, followed by a discussion of how these patient-centered approaches have the potential to improve quality of life for those impacted by anxiety disorders.
May 15, 2019
Launch of the AAKOMA Project, Inc.
On May 3, 2019, Dr. Alfiee launched the AAKOMA Project, Inc. as a nonprofit via a mini-gala. The evening was filled with music, great food and included recognition of women and Black owned business in the DMV area. the focus of the evening was to celebrate 20 years of the AAKOMA Project and most importantly, the beginning of the formation of the AAKOMA Project, Inc as a research nonprofit.
May 2018
Study shows suicide rate of black children twice that of white children
Research shows that while irritability in the average white teenager is often labeled as depression, it’s more likely seen as disruptive in black or Latino children — which Doctors say that can lead to feelings of hopelessness.
May 2018
NBC Nighly News
Dr. Alfiee talks with Lester Holt about her research on Black adolescent depression with AAKOMA (the story also features Dr. Alfiee’s long time friend and colleague Mrs. H. Kathy Williams).
PODCASTS
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.
Do The Work
Dr. Alfiee was interviewed on the popular podcast, Let’s Go There with Shira & Ryan, on We Are Channel Q discussing former President Trumps’ latest voting scandal, the best ways to make your New Year resolution work for you and if it’s appropriate to COVID shame people.
Stay Safe and Stay Sane Over Your Holiday
Dr. Alfiee was interviewed on the popular podcast, Let’s Go There with Shira & Ryan, on We Are Channel Q. The topic for Dr. Alfiee’s segment was Is Your Relationship Ready for Thanksgiving? and addresses the stresses that relationships can go through this time of year.
Loveline 12-17-20 w/ Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble & Kati Morton
Dr. Alfiee was interviewed on the Podcast Loveline with Dr. Chris discussing new forms of self-care during the pandemic and the AAKOMA Project- which aims o bring mental health services to racial diverse communities.
EP56 - Being Young In Today's World
Dr. Alfiee was interviewed on Being Unnormal Podcast discussing who talks about youth mental health, specifically mental health, and children of color.
Share Your Light with Dr. Alfiee
Dr. Alfiee was interviewed by Ron Funches, discussing the stigma of mental health in the black community and poor parenting.
How To Bring Mental Health Into Your Life
Dr. Alfiee was a featured guest on the Podcast MindTime with Madison discussing Millennials, Gen Zs and even Gen Xers are making history talking about mental health.
Alfiee M. Breland-Noble, PhD (The Curiosity Hour Podcast by D. Sterenchuk & T. Estlund)
Dr. Alfiee was interviewed on the Podcast The Curiosity Hour, discussing the AAKOMA Project, increasing optimal mental and mental health tips.
Alfiee Breland-Noble, URM Mental Health, and the Greasy Pipeline
Dr. Alfiee was interviewed on the Podcast Neurocurious, discussing increasing URM access to mental health and defeating barriers into science.
S1 Ep34 | The Space Podcast - Reset, Recharge and Find Inner Strength in Jan 2021 with Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble
[From the Website] This year has been hard, and on so many levels. THE Space welcomes Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble, PhD, MHSc a pioneering psychologist, scientist, podcast host, author and director of mental health nonprofit The AAKOMA Project, to discuss how we can deal with burnout and reset heading into 2021.
Being Well with Dr. Rick Hanson | S3:EP101 Institutional Racism and Traumatic Stress with Dr. Alfiee
Racism and racist structures place an enormous mental health burden on Black, Latinx, and indigenous communities, alongside other people of color. Dr. Alfiee joins Forrest to discuss.
Start Within with Coach Colette | Coach Chat on Achieving Optimal Mental Health with Dr. Alfiee
Dr. Alfiee joins Coach Colette to discuss all things mental health in BIPOC communities.
300 Fathers Podcast | Overcoming Teenage Depression + Improving Mental Health with Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble
Dr. Alfiee speaks with 300 Fathers founder, Troy Woods on Depression and Mental Illness in Black boys and boys of color explaining how to recognize signs and where to go for help.
The Curiosity Hour Podcast by D. Sterenchuk & T. Estlund | Episode 106 - Dr. Alfiee
Dr. Alfiee joins the podcast to discuss HBCU’s, growing up Black in a white environment and persevering (even when you don’t “feel it”).
