From the safety of your home, we invite you into a new home away from home. Whether attending our events in person or virtually, we welcome you.
OUR MISSION:
Advancing the voices of ERP treatment professionals of color. Creating safety, support and resources for people of color living with OCD. Bringing awareness of ERP for the treatment of OCD and beyond.
Our Story: What’s in a Name?
At the heart of ERP Kaleidoscope is a deep yearning to create a safe space for like-minded BIPOC clinicians who are currently utilizing, or hoping to learn exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP) in order to support those living with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and related disorders, as they navigate mental health settings where they may be feeling isolated. In recognizing the 14–17-year average that it takes for individuals suffering with OCD symptoms to obtain an accurate diagnosis AND treatment for OCD, we also couldn’t ignore that for BIPOC individuals living with OCD, that these averages were likely longer. We quickly recognized that it was also our duty to provide safety and opportunities for these individuals to connect with providers and other BIPOC individuals with whom they can relate.
You may be wondering “Where’s the kaleidoscope relevancy?” We’re so glad you asked! With their vastly bright colors and multiplicity of shapes, there’s so much symbolism when exploring kaleidoscopes:
Their unique shapes & designs underscore the varied experiences and expertise that our members bring to support people from all walks of life, who struggle with the complex challenges of having OCD.
Their illuminating colors are beautiful and highlight how our members are comprised of diverse backgrounds, genders, sexualities, religions and cultures. These identities are also beautiful and are used as an asset to support the communities they serve, rather than their identities being seen as a barrier.
Kaleidoscopes are fun and it’s easy to get lost in hours of amusement when using them AND when gaining exclusive access to our social events! Our retreats, learning, networking and travel events offer our community a reminder that in spite of being a BIPOC clinician or individual living with OCD, that laughter, celebration, gratitude and fun are values to be embraced.
Meditative is an adjective sometimes used to describe the calming effect of kaleidoscopes. Similarly, through our support groups and activism, our community gains access to connection and healing through sharing stories with one another and with allies who are willing to make room for change.
With all of its brilliance shining through, kaleidoscopes embody how an amazing group of mental health professionals, joining together, can continue to spread the light of healing from OCD through the use of ERP. Thus, the name ERP Kaleidoscope was birthed! It is the perfect representation of who we are and what we aspire to be.
Founder
Erin Nghe, LCSW
Erin Nghe is a daughter, sister, wife, child of God, friend, social & racial justice advocate, adrenaline junkie (yes’s she’s flown a helicopter and jumped out of a plane), psychotherapist to those living with OCD and a boy mom of a spunky, emotionally intelligent 2-year-old. Her movement through the world defies society’s stereotypical, surface level question of “What do you do,” which she believes is often used to measure one’s value. Erin believes everyone holds value, no matter their employment status, and instead asks, “Tell me about yourself,” “What do you enjoy” and “What causes are you passionate about?”
Her latest cause as the Founder of ERP Kaleidoscope, is one whose MISSION is: “Advancing the voices of ERP treatment professionals of color. Creating safety, support and resources for people of color with OCD. Bringing awareness of ERP for the treatment of OCD and beyond.” This thoughtfully curated online community for both BIPOC therapists and BIPOC mental health consumers, offers both subgroups a unique opportunity to experience a full, cleansing breath from navigating the double consciousness of being in professional and mental health spaces that place the value and concerns of BIPOC individuals as an afterthought.
Across the span of Erin’s 16-year clinical career, she has focused on grief and loss, trauma, as well as OCD and related disorders. She is the Clinical Director and owner of an interactive mental health service, OCD Set Free, LLC, where her group offers compassionate, therapeutic care to clients living with OCD in Georgia, AL, FL.
Erin’s expertise in OCD and OC Spectrum disorders, has also afforded her the opportunity to serve as a contributing writer to a Sexual Obsessions in OCD treatment manual for therapists and serve as guest expert for online publications like CNN and Wondermind, as well as various digital podcasts. Her OCD advocacy and global health interests have resulted in Erin’s participation in diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives within the larger OCD community and her training therapists at the master’s and doctoral level on how to adequately, and ethically treat OCD.
Ultimately, Erin’s greatest reward in creating this community is seeing BIPOC individuals living with OCD, gain access to well-trained BIPOC therapists who understand the importance of reducing the 14–17-year average it takes to receive an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for obsessive compulsive disorder.
Ambassadors
At ERP Kaleidoscope, our brand ambassadors are more than just representatives—they are the heart and voice of our mission. Each ambassador is a dedicated BIPOC clinician, advocate, or community leader who embodies our core values of inclusivity, representation, and expertise in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). They are passionate about breaking barriers in mental health, particularly in the treatment of OCD and anxiety disorders within marginalized communities.
Through outreach, advocacy, and community engagement, ERP Kaleidoscope’s ambassadors champion our vision of providing resources, mentorship, and support to clinicians and individuals alike. Together, we are reshaping mental health care to ensure that no one walks the journey alone.
Alishai Bryan
Nickesha Douglas, MS, LPC
Celeste Harris, BSW
Through her behavioral health background, Celeste has supported individuals living with various psychiatric disorders, chemical dependencies, housing insecurity challenges and obsessive compulsive disorder. With over a decade of experience, Celeste has successfully aided clients in securing resources to be able to live independently and actualize the potential to reach their goals. Currently, Celeste works as a Client Engagement Specialist at OCD Set Free where she provides compassionate care as the first welcoming voice through their intake process. Celeste takes pride in speaking with clients as it’s an opportunity to spread the word about ERP for OCD.
Celeste is excited to be a part of ERP Kaleidoscope because she has seen how detrimental untreated OCD and related disorders has been in the BIPOC OCD community, and is saddened at the lack of resources provided to BIPOC clinicians and clients. Celeste is honored to be an ambassador with the ERP Kaleidoscope family, because it allows her to give voice to the community through social media, advocacy, and partnership with stakeholders.
Breyaunna Hattab
Weiyi Liao
Haydee Naula
Foluke Nunn
Foluke Nunn is currently a Master of Social Work student at Howard University, deeply committed to social justice and community organizing. As a community organizer with the Atlanta Economic Justice Program of the American Friends Service Committee, Foluke focuses on housing justice, advocating for equitable policies and systemic change. Foluke’s interests lie at the intersection of trauma, attachment, and mental health, particularly how these areas connect to broader social justice issues. Having been in remission from Existential OCD for four years, Foluke is passionate about mental health advocacy and the power of resilience in both individuals and communities.
