The Brett Thomas Doussan Foundation Nonprofit Corporation

Support Mental Health. Honor Lives. Strengthen New Orleans.

The Brett Thomas Doussan Foundation exists for one purpose: to ensure that no one in our community struggles with mental illness alone. Your gift fuels advocacy, education, and access to care—often powered by the healing force of music.

Why Your Support Matters

The foundation was created in 2014 after the loss of Brett Thomas Doussan, a beloved friend and lover of music, whose death by suicide revealed how deeply mental health challenges can hide beneath the surface. His story is not unique—and that’s why our work continues.

Your donation helps us reach people who are hurting, reduce stigma, and expand the resources families rely on during their most vulnerable moments.

Your Gift Creates Real Impact

With your support, we invest in organizations and programs that make mental health care more accessible across Greater New Orleans:

• LSU Behavioral Sciences Center – delivering mental health services through the Brett Thomas Doussan Memorial Endowment for Mental Health Awareness and Support
• Children’s Hospital Behavioral Health Unit – providing compassionate care for young people in crisis
• New Orleans Musicians’ Clinic & Assistance Foundation – supporting the mental health of the artists who define our culture
• Local chapters of NAMI and AFSP – expanding education, peer support, and suicide‑prevention initiatives
• Loyola University’s Music Therapy Graduate Program – training clinicians who use music as a pathway to healing
• Loyola University’s Louisiana Center for Counseling and Education (LCCE) – offering counseling services to the community
• Magnolia Community Services – supporting the well‑being of Magnolia Community residents

Every contribution—large or small—helps us reach more individuals, families, and communities.

Beyond Funding: Building a Culture of Support

Your generosity sustains our year‑round outreach, helping us bring mental health awareness, connection, and hope into the community through events and partnerships such as:

• Play It FOREward – The BTD Foundation’s annual golf tournament that brings supporters together for a day of camaraderie and purpose, raising critical funds for mental health programs across Greater New Orleans
• Music for the Mind – an intimate storytelling series where local musicians share how mental health has shaped their lives, using music to spark conversation, reduce stigma, and build community
• NAMI Southeast Louisiana NAMIWalks – where we stand alongside NAMI to support their largest annual fundraiser, helping expand peer support, education, and mental health resources for families across the region
• AFSP Out of the Darkness Walk– a powerful community gathering that honors loved ones lost to suicide and raises awareness for prevention, healing, and hope
  • BTD was awarded the ASFP Lifesaver Award in 2025.

These events raise awareness, build connection, and remind people that help is always within reach.

Join Us in Changing the Conversation

Mental health challenges touch every neighborhood, every family, every age group. When you give, you help create a community where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to seek help without shame.

Your donation honors Brett’s legacy—and helps save lives.

Thank you for standing with us!

Testimonials

Holly A. - I’ve been following your organization’s work, and I’m truly impressed by your mission and the impact you’re making—it strongly aligns with our values and community focus.

Georgia B. - I just wanted to tell you what a tremendous blessing your work is. You are helping so many. I lost a son, too, and can relate to your pain.

Denise T. - Hello, I was so touched by your recent post that I would like to help or volunteer because I am a survivor. I have lost family to suicide, so I have been on both sides of this horrible disease.

Mandy C. - Hi, I know you don't know me at all, but my name is Mandy, and I knew Brett. As I always remember, he was the life of the party. I love that you started this foundation because some of my family struggles with mental health. My aunt is schizophrenic.

AMY A. - Dear Lisa, I often think of your dear Brett. Many teachers donated: We are so grateful to have taught Brett and blessed that he was in our lives.

Kristina D. - After our meeting yesterday, I felt even more inspired and would like to contribute to the Play it FOREward event.  We currently have a resource available to pay for a hole flag, $500.00.   I'd like to be a small part of this great cause.

J.J - Brett's life and legacy,  in addition to the collaboration of Music == the entire Mission of Team Brett - BTD and your family, have been very instrumental in my own life.

I can share with you that his legacy and your family's mission has indeed helped me navigate myself into a life of healing, recovery, and has in every form of the statement. Kept me Alive.  Your mission & Brett's legacy continue to help me save my life. I am now at a safe capacity for myself, and I am able to share the message with those greatly in need.