Under Pressure: Black therapists look to help minorities amid ongoing mental health crisis

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) – In December 2022, Montgomery native and famous dancer Stephen “tWitch” Boss died by suicide. He was 40-years-old. His mentor, actor, and Alabama State University legend Dr. Tommie Tonea Stewart described him as a beautiful person. “Stephen had the talent, he was a doer. Has always been kind, always been giving, always been ready to help others,” she said. His death mirrors a tragic trend in the African American community. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is the second leading cause of death for African Americans between the ages of 15 and 24. Suicide is particularly prevalent among Black men. Staggering statistics led George Ishman to the Samaritan Counseling Center. “I’ve done a lot of things in my life. I took a crack at driving 18-wheelers, worked in a restaurant, and made my way to management,” he said, “then, I decided I wanted to make a transition to something else and make a change.” For him, the change meant going back to school, getting a degree, and becoming a therapist in Montgomery. He aims to help people in Alabama and connect with people who look like him and have similar backgrounds—minorities and people...