Sitting across from Chelsea Weaver, you immediately feel a warmth that makes you want to open up. It’s the kind of presence that puts people at ease, that makes healing possible. It’s the same presence that has shaped the foundation of Bloom House Therapy and Wellness, Weaver’s private practice built on the belief that everyone deserves to be seen, understood and empowered.
The roots of a passionate healer
Growing up in Statesboro, she was always drawn to people — their stories, their struggles, what made them who they were.
“Even as a child, I was fascinated by human behavior,” she said. “Why do people do the things they do? What experiences shape their thoughts, their emotions, their choices?”
That curiosity eventually led her to Spelman College in Atlanta, where she pursued a bachelor’s degree in psychology. During her time as an undergraduate student, she immersed herself in her studies. She joined psychology clubs, interned at mental health organizations, and even studied abroad, exposing herself to different cultural perspectives on mental health.
“I wanted to understand people, not just through textbooks but through real experiences,” she said.
With each opportunity, one thing became certain: Helping people heal was her calling. That realization propelled her to one of the most prestigious institutions in the country, Columbia University in New York City, where she earned her master’s degree in mental health counseling.
A pivotal moment
Columbia pushed Weaver in ways she never expected. The rigorous academics, the diversity of thought, the fast-paced environment — it was both exhilarating and challenging. But the experience that had the biggest impact on her came not from a classroom, but from a place many fear to enter: Rikers Island.
As an intern at the notorious correctional facility, she worked alongside psychologists and psychiatrists who provided mental health support to incarcerated individuals.
“It was unlike anything I had ever experienced,” she said. “These were people who had been cast aside by society, many of whom had never had access to proper mental health care before.”
The stories she heard and the pain and resilience she witnessed all left an imprint on her heart.
“It showed me the depth of trauma that so many people carry,” she said. “But it also showed me that healing is possible, even in the darkest of places.”
That experience reinforced her commitment to making therapy accessible and breaking the stigma that keeps many from seeking help, and to ensuring that people, no matter their circumstances, know that their mental health matters.
A dream turned reality
After graduating from Columbia, she could have stayed in New York. The opportunities were vast, and the city was alive with energy. But something inside her knew that she needed to go back home — to Statesboro.
“There’s something special about being able to serve the community that shaped you,” Weaver said.
She began her career here as a full-time therapist, working in various settings, from residential rehabilitation centers to inpatient and outpatient substance abuse treatment facilities. Her work allowed her to connect with people from all walks of life, helping them navigate their struggles, their traumas, their healing. But over time, something inside her began to stir. She had gained invaluable experience, but she wanted more freedom in how she provided care. She envisioned a space where people felt not just treated, but truly understood.
And so, Bloom House Therapy and Wellness was born. The name itself is a reflection of what she wants for her clients — a place where they can plant seeds of healing, nurture their growth, and ultimately bloom into their best selves.
“Helping people reconnect with themselves in a way that allows them to live authentically and feel fulfilled — that’s what drives me,” she said. “One of my proudest moments was hearing a client say, ‘For the first time in a long time, I feel like myself again.’ That’s why I do this work.”
Breaking the stigma
Mental health awareness has gained traction in recent years, but barriers still remain, particularly within Black and other minority populations.
“In communities of color, we’ve been taught to be strong, to push through, to keep things private,” she said. “But true strength is knowing when to ask for help.”
She highlights the role of cultural values and generational beliefs in shaping these attitudes.
“Many of us grew up hearing, ‘What happens in this house, stays in this house.’ That mindset makes it difficult for people to reach out for help,” she said.
Weaver finds that faith is often another contributing factor to this deeply ingrained stigma.
“A lot of people are taught to pray through their problems instead of seeking therapy,” she said. “But faith and therapy can work together. Therapy gives you the tools, and faith gives you the strength.”
Beyond cultural barriers, systemic issues also play a role — lack of access, cost, and the shortage of Black and minority therapists who recognize the nuances of their clients’ experiences on a personal level.
“Representation in the mental health field matters,” she said. “People need to see therapists who look like them, who understand their struggles, their history, their culture.”
Weaver is determined to change the narrative — and when asked what society can do to help normalize mental health conversations, she doesn’t hesitate.
“Talk about it,” she said. “At home, in schools, in workplaces, in media — everywhere. The more we make mental health a normal part of life, the less power stigma has.
“When people see therapy in books, music and TV shows, it becomes real,” she added. “I had a client say they started therapy because of a scene in The Chi. That’s the kind of impact media can have.”
Ultimately, she believes creating safe spaces is key — both inside and outside the walls of Bloom House.
“Whether it’s through support groups, peer discussions, or simply being a safe person for someone else, every effort to foster open conversations helps shift the culture.”
Practical steps to promote mental health and diversity
Cultural background, socioeconomic status, race, gender identity, disability and sexual orientation can all influence how individuals perceive and access mental health care. Unfortunately, systemic barriers, stigma and historical inequalities can make it difficult for marginalized communities to receive the support they need.
For example, communities of color often face a lack of culturally competent providers who understand their lived experiences. LGBTQ+ individuals may struggle with discrimination that affects their emotional well-being. Immigrant families might encounter language barriers and fear of judgment when seeking professional help.
Recognizing these challenges is the first step toward fostering mental health equity, which includes:
- Culturally responsive care — Representation is crucial, and having providers who reflect and respect different cultural experiences is key to effective support.
- Accessible resources — Services should be available in multiple languages and tailored to accommodate different cultural norms and beliefs.
- Inclusive policies — Policies in workplaces and schools should address the specific needs of diverse populations.
- Community engagement — Partnering with local organizations, religious institutions and cultural groups can help spread awareness and normalize conversations around mental health.