Kansas City Mental Health Advocate Tamara Vang Champions Change in Black Community

Kansas City’s Own Tamara Vang Takes the Helm in Mental Health and Addiction Counseling

Kansas City is lucky to have Tamara Vang, a woman whose story is as inspiring as her work. With over two decades of experience in mental health, addiction, and substance abuse, she has seen it all. Currently serving as the chief operating officer for the Kansas City Black Mental Health Initiative, Vang is on a mission to change the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly in the Black community.

From Tragedy to Triumph

Born to parents grappling with serious mental health issues and addiction, Vang’s early life can only be described as tumultuous. “I always like to say I was born into the field,” she shares, reflecting on how her grandmother adopted her due to her parents’ struggles. By the time she was just six years old, Vang felt like an adult, taking care of not only herself but her family.

“I had to learn how to cook for myself and navigate through a challenging environment,” she recounts. “I didn’t have all the fancy words to describe what I was experiencing, but I was very aware.” It was these formative experiences that ignited her passion for helping others overcome their battles with addiction and mental health.

Breaking the Cycle

But Vang didn’t just want to rise above her circumstances. She wanted to use her experiences to make a real impact on others. According to research, only one in three Black Americans facing mental health challenges actually gets the help they need. So why is that? Vang explains: “It’s a complicated mix of history, systemic racism, and beliefs that view mental illness as a weakness.”

As she continues to work at the Kansas City Black Mental Health Initiative (KCBMHI), her passion is palpable. Vang describes KCBMHI as a vital space where clients can receive culturally competent services without the barriers often faced when seeking help. “We have people who come in and say they’ve never shared their experiences because of that ingrained silence.”

Transforming Lives One Session at a Time

Vang’s role at KCBMHI includes both therapy and operational oversight, making sure the organization functions smoothly while also bringing her unique insights into therapy sessions. “One of my favorite parts is talking to people,” she beams. “We provide a safe space for them to be heard.”

She recognizes that many emotions and challenges are intertwined with the financial aspects of therapy. With sessions averaging around $150, affordability can be a significant hurdle for many. However, Vang emphasizes that KCBMHI is funded to offer these services for free, ensuring every person can receive the help they need without worrying about the price tag.

The Journey of Healing is Unique

What about the road to recovery? “There isn’t a set time frame,” Vang explains. “It varies so much from person to person.” Acknowledging that some may have breakthroughs in just a few weeks while others might take years, she insists that each individual’s journey is valid and should be respected.

However, Vang also adds that readiness plays a significant role: “If someone comes in because they have to be there, they often show some resistance, but after a few sessions, they usually start to come on their own.” It’s a testimony to the importance of a supportive environment in someone’s healing journey.

Challenges in the Field

Working in such a critical sector isn’t without its challenges, and Vang mentions the difficulty of matching the therapeutic interventions with the existing systems. “Sometimes we’re dealing with people who actually don’t need addiction treatment, but the system still mandates it,” she explains, highlighting a systemic issue that could hinder someone’s true recovery.

A Vision for the Future

Despite these hurdles, Vang remains optimistic about the future. “I think what we provide is a crucial space for clients to feel safe and heard,” she explains. “Moreover, we’re also building opportunities for up-and-coming Black and BIPOC practitioners in our community.”

Her motto, “Each one, reach one to teach one,” rings true throughout her work, making her not just a counselor but a beacon of hope in her community. “We can be the solution to our own communities. Healing comes from learning,” she expresses passionately.

Taking the Next Step

If you can relate to Vang’s mission or want to follow in her footsteps, she advises, “Study the system you want to be in and understand what is needed.” In this way, she believes every aspiring mental health professional can make a difference and contribute to reshaping how mental health is viewed in our communities.

In a world where silence often prevails, Tamara Vang is bravely speaking out and leading the charge in mental health reform, one client at a time. Her life is an incredible example that it’s possible to turn pain into purpose and “heal from the past” while looking forward to a brighter future.