Amplified Minds, a Dallas-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has provided free mental health support to the creative community for more than a decade, is expanding its services into Fort Worth, marking a new phase of growth across North Texas.
The expansion will be led by Kirk Stafford, a licensed clinical social worker and licensed chemical dependency counselor with more than 10 years of experience in psychotherapy and substance use recovery. The move will allow Amplified Minds to broaden access to free mental health care while continuing its mission to reduce stigma and improve access for underserved creative professionals.
Many individuals in the creative community face barriers to care, including lack of insurance, limited financial resources, and difficulty accessing quality mental health services. Stafford’s leadership will support Amplified Minds’ commitment to addressing these gaps through expanded programming and community-based support.
In-person group therapy sessions for adults ages 18 and older will begin in March 2026 and will be led by Stafford.
Over the past 10 years, Amplified Minds has served more than 4,000 individuals seeking mental health support. The organization’s continued growth reflects rising demand for accessible mental health care and the need for inclusive spaces where individuals can openly discuss mental well-being.
That work drew the attention of JAMBALOOTM founder Corey Pond, resulting in a partnership between the two organizations.
“Amplified Minds has been filling a critical gap in the creative community for years,” Pond said. “Their work made it clear that supporting artists off stage is just as important as creating opportunities for them on stage. That’s why this partnership makes sense.”
Like Amplified Minds, JAMBALOOTM is a year-round initiative focused on uplifting the Dallas–Fort Worth music community by supporting artists, venues, and fans. Its flagship event is a weeklong celebration of free live music across the metroplex, scheduled for Feb. 7–14, 2026.
Amplified Minds’ efforts have also been recognized by Visit Dallas. As a result, the nonprofit is now a beneficiary of Creatives Care Dallas, a health and wellness initiative developed by the Dallas Music Office and provided by Arete Health Shield.
The program is designed to make preventive care and mental health resources more accessible to gig workers and artists in Dallas County. A portion of proceeds from Creatives Care Dallas will support Amplified Minds through 2026.
“When we invest in the well-being of our creative workforce, the entire city thrives,” said Kristina Kirkenaer-Hart, director of cultural tourism and the Dallas Music Office. “This partnership allows us to meet artists where they are – mind, body, and craft – and ensure they receive the care they need to continue shaping Dallas’ cultural identity.”
Amplified Minds currently hosts five free group therapy sessions per week and provides referrals to Aadhar Mental Wellness for individuals seeking one-on-one counseling. All programs are led by licensed counselors and offered at no cost. Texas consistently ranks among the lowest states for mental health access, making the organization’s work especially critical.
About Amplified Minds
Amplified Minds is a Dallas-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing free mental health services to individuals ages 18 and older. The organization works to reduce stigma, encourage open dialogue, and create equitable access to care – particularly for members of the creative community who often face burnout, isolation, and financial barriers to treatment.
About Kirk Stafford, LCSW, LCDC
Kirk Stafford is a licensed psychotherapist with more than a decade of experience in mental health and substance use recovery. He works with adults and teens experiencing anxiety, depression, and social isolation.
About JAMBALOOTM
JAMBALOOTM is a year-round initiative supporting the DFW music community through free live music events, artist-focused programming, and ongoing content and connection. It includes the largest local music prize in the nation and the first venue prize of its kind.
About Creatives Care Dallas
Creatives Care Dallas is a health and wellness program offered by Arete Health Shield to support gig workers and artists in Dallas County by providing affordable preventive care and mental health resources tailored to creative lifestyles.
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