New Outpatient Psychiatric Clinic for Children Opens in East Hartford

EAST HARTFORD, Conn. - March 2, 2021 - PRLog -- After experiencing prejudice in the healthcare system herself, licensed counselor Tangie R. MacDougald began her journey to close the gap in inequality in healthcare, which has culminated in the Community Matters Outpatient Psychiatric Clinic for Children. The grand opening will take place in person and virtually on Thursday, March 11, 2021 from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM..

"This region is densely populated. It has high levels of poverty and a large immigrant, Black, and Latino population. It is my mission to make sure that everyone who walks through our doors is given the respect and dignity in their quality of care," said Licensed Professional Counselor Tangie R. McDougald.

In 2017, Tangie embarked on a mission to reduce the stigma surrounding the need for behavioral health services for African American people. She founded Community Matters, LLC, a group practice for adults. Immediately Tangie found herself at capacity. The demand for a color clinician far outweighed her ability to treat those in need. Tangie stated,

"I tried referring families to other nearby clinicians and outpatient clinics, but they refused due to poor experiences in the past. They often felt misunderstood and expressed a large concern of being judged and lacked the trust needed to develop an authentic therapeutic alliance."

Tangie conducted several surveys within her community, and found families enjoyed the homelike feeling her office brings, the feelings of empowerment and belief she provides, and the accountability they are held to. Families expressed, "seeing a woman of color doing what you do in our community gives us hope."

Tangie heard the cries for services amongst her community. Community Matters Outpatient Psychiatric Clinic for Children is an extension of behavioral health services formed to bridge the gap in health care and cultivate the dreams of every child of color whose belief system is being compromised due to cultural inequalities.

About Tangie McDougald
Tangie R. McDougald was born and raised in Hartford, CT. She is a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Incorporated. She is a graduate of the University of St. Joseph, where she earned a master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She also earned a bachelor's in Psychology and Sociology at the University of Hartford. Tangie is certified as a Trauma-Focused Therapist and Crisis Worker. She is the Founder and CEO of Community Matters LLC and Community Matters Outpatient Psychiatric Clinic for Children. She is an industry leader who provides business coaching and consulting services. Tangie is a philanthropist, best-selling author, wife, mother, and grandmother of two amazing young boys.

Community Matters | 531 Main St | East Hartford, CT 06108