Early detection of major depression in adolescents remains a challenge. Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble created the AAKOMA Project, African-American Knowledge Optimized for Mindfully-Healthy Adolescents, to help African-American , Black and racially diverse youth and families successfully recognize the signs and symptoms of depression and access mental health care. Partnering with community members and faith-based institutions, Dr. Breland-Noble and members of the AAKOMA Project works to effectively educate, encourage and enlighten communities in North Carolina, Washington, D.C, Virginia, and Maryland that, on average, are reluctant to seek out professional mental health care services. Dr. Breland-Noble joins us to discuss depression, coping skills and the early findings from the AAKKOMA Project.