Plot Synopsis

Premiering during Minority Mental Health Awareness Month (July), BET HER PRESENTS: THE COUCH features two short films that follow the individual journeys of two women and their bout with mental health. Each story touches on an aspect of mental health and what it looks like as a stigma in the Black Community, in an attempt to debunk myths and misconceptions. All #MinorityMentalHealth stories are written, directed, and produced by Black women. The two films are:

"Baby Blue" (9pm): After giving birth to her son, a first-time mom spirals from mild post-partum depression into severe postpartum psychosis. While she gets support with the baby, we see the heart-wrenching consequences of her not getting support for her mental well-being. Directed by Kim Fields, written by Nakia Stephens, and produced by Tressa 'Azarel' Smallwood. Starring Shaquita Smith and Traci Braxton.

"Everything Is Fine" (9:30pm): An affluent Black family seem to have it all, but they face a challenge with their estranged son who struggles to hold onto reality with the confidential help of his younger sister. Written by Dez White, directed by Victoria Lynn Rowell, and produced by Tressa 'Azarel' Smallwood. Starring Charmin Lee, Malachi Malik, and Vernon Davis.


THE COUCH returned with two more half-hour installments on Saturday, July 10, 2021 from 9-10pm ET/PT on BET Her:

"Through Her Eyes": Hardworking psychology student Jasmine forms a meaningful bond with Miranda, an unhoused woman whose life has been knocked off course by personal loss and mismanaged mental illness.

"Almost Enough": Patience turns to her compassionate therapist for help when her depression and anxiety get in the way of her friendships, her career and her wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Season 3 of THE COUCH debuted on Saturday, July 9, 2022 from 9-10pm ET/PT with back-to-back half-hour stories:

"Thin Like Me" (9pm): A fitness model's unhealthy relationship with food and body issues comes to a boiling point during her parents' 40th wedding anniversary.

"Behind the Smile" (9:30pm): A newly promoted news anchor falls into a severe depression when she is forced to choose between her dream job and her vitiligo support group.