Ashley McGirt: Breaking Stigma and Building a Legacy of Wellness for Future Generations.

Join host Carolyn Presnell on King County Recovery Conversations as she sits down with Ashley McGirt, founder of the Washington Therapy Fund, psychotherapist, and acclaimed author and speaker. Ashley shares her powerful personal journey, from growing up amid the crack epidemic to founding a nonprofit focused on eliminating barriers to Black healing. She candidly discusses the lifelong impacts of trauma, the shortage of Black mental health professionals, and the importance of culturally responsive, anti-oppressive therapy.

Listeners will hear honest reflections on navigating depression, the unique challenges facing Black communities seeking care, and why rest, joy, and generational healing matter. Ashley’s advocacy stretches from the therapy room to policy boardrooms—reminding us all how seeing each other’s humanity, and making structural changes, can nurture recovery for everyone. Don’t miss her insights on breaking stigma, supporting caregivers, and building a legacy of wellness for future generations.

Resources from the episode:

• Learn more about the Washington Therapy Fund: https://www.thetherapyfundfoundation.org/

• NAACP Health Committee: https://naacp.org/find-resources/health

• Follow Ashley McGirt’s work: https://www.ashleymcgirt.com/

• Carolyn Presnell linkedin.com/in/carolyn-presnell-78032219b

• Learn more about King County Recovery Coalition and the work they do ⁠here⁠: https://www.kcrecovery.org/

• The King County Recovery Coalition is a regional coalition of the Washington Recovery Alliance (WRA). Learn more about the WRA and the work they do ⁠here⁠: https://www.washingtonrecoveryalliance.org/

• If you are experiencing substance, use disorder, problem gambling, and/or a mental health challenge, please visit the ⁠Washington Recovery Helpline⁠ for resources and a 24-hour helpline: https://www.warecoveryhelpline.org/

King County Recovery Conversations is a podcast on a mission to celebrate recovery and help break the stigma of addiction and mental health. In each episode, policy experts, program professionals, and those with lived experience join host Heather Venegas to share stories of hope, resilience, and healing in our community. Together, we’ll learn about the various pathways to recovery – and the services and support systems available to anyone impacted by addiction and mental health. Whether you're someone seeking recovery, someone in recovery, a family member or friend, or a healthcare professional, this podcast is for you.

Connect with King County Recovery Coalition ⁠online⁠, on Facebook (⁠@KingCountyRecoveryCoalition⁠), or on YouTube (⁠@KingCountyRecoveryCoalition⁠).

If you have feedback or show ideas, contact host Heather Venegas at ⁠heather@kcrecovery.org⁠.

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/king-county-recovery/message