Nedra Glover Tawwab is a therapist based in Charlotte, N.C., who joined Instagram in July 2017 when only a few therapists were using the platform to talk about mental health. Today, she has over 1.8 million followers on Instagram and nearly 16,000 on TikTok, making her one of the most-followed people in her profession.
Tawwab saw building an online presence as a way to reach a wider audience beyond her in-person therapy sessions, where she could only see a limited number of people each week. As a Black woman herself, she is able to relate to individuals who may not have access to therapy or believe it’s not for them. Tawwab draws from Black culture in her work, using language and visuals that resonate with Black audiences. By representing her culture authentically, she helps break down barriers and make therapy more accessible to marginalized communities.
In recent posts, Tawwab has discussed topics such as maintaining hope, nurturing healthy relationships between parents and adult children, and reflecting on the past year with a set of questions. She also works to destigmatize difficult emotions like grief, creating a safe space for her followers to explore their feelings openly. Tawwab is mindful of what she shares on social media and avoids giving personal feedback or diagnoses. When people reach out to her for help, she directs them to local therapists for personalized support.
Although Tawwab recognizes the potential of social media as a tool for expanding mental health awareness, she emphasizes that it’s just the starting point in the journey toward better mental health. Her goal is to provide information and support that encourages individuals to seek professional help and develop a therapeutic relationship in their local area. Social media serves as a valuable entry point for those beginning to explore mental health topics but ultimately paves the way for deeper personal growth and healing in the hands of trained professionals.