TAP Care Network

Across Africa, access to dermatologists, psychologists, and healthcare providers experienced in visible differences, skin conditions, and appearance-related challenges remains limited.

TAP Care Network exists to bridge that gap, not only by connecting individuals to care, but also by restoring dignity, attention, and accountability within patient–provider relationships.

The TAP Care Network is a curated directory of appearance-informed professionals and organisations across Sub-Saharan Africa.

It connects individuals living with visible differences, chronic skin conditions, and appearance-related distress to dermatologists, mental health professionals, social workers, support groups, and aligned organisations who recognise the psychosocial dimensions of care.

The TAP Care Network is an infrastructure initiative of The Appearance Positive (TAP) Ecosystem, designed to strengthen access, accountability, and ecosystem-wide standards around appearance dignity and psychosocial well-being.

What TAP Care Network Provides 

1️⃣ Access

We help individuals identify and connect with dermatologists, psychologists, and related healthcare providers who are relevant to ourr needs. Also patient organizations/support groups, skin conditions, visible differences, and generally appearance-focused NGOs.

Because access should not depend on proximity, privilege, or luck.

2️⃣ Attention

We provide a channel where individuals can call, inquire, and receive guidance.

No one navigating visible difference should feel unheard or dismissed.

3️⃣ Advocacy Through Structured Review

TAP Care Network encourages responsible and respectful care through structured feedback and review mechanisms.

Healthcare systems improve when accountability exists.

4️⃣ Structural Hope

For many patients, navigating healthcare feels like negotiating for dignity.

TAP Care Network exists to rebalance that experience — ensuring patients are not at the mercy of the system.

Why the TAP Care Network Exists 

Across Sub-Saharan Africa, many individuals struggle to find care providers who understand that visible differences and chronic skin conditions are not only medical realities — but deeply social and psychological experiences.

Clinical treatment alone is not enough.

Appearance-related distress may involve:

• Appearance stigma
• Social exclusion
• Internalised shame
• Cultural beauty pressures
• Medical dismissal or gaslighting
• Long-term psychosocial adaptation

The TAP Care Network highlights professionals and organisations who demonstrate awareness of these dimensions in their work.

Our Standards 

The TAP Care Network prioritises:

• Dignity-centred engagement
• Respect for lived experience
• Awareness of appearance stigma and discrimination
• Sensitivity to long-term psychosocial adjustment
• Cultural and contextual competence within African communities

This network exists to elevate standards of care, not simply to list providers.

Who May Be Included 

The TAP Care Network may include:

Clinical & Medical Professionals

• Dermatologists
• Psychodermatology-informed practitioners
• Nurses (dermatology-related)

Mental Health Professionals

• Clinical psychologists
• Counselling psychologists
• Psychiatrists
• Licensed counsellors
• Social workers

Community & Advocacy Organisations

• Patient organisations
• Support groups
• Appearance-focused NGOs
• Peer-led support networks

All listings are reviewed prior to publication.

Network Development – 2026 Soft Launch Phase 

The TAP Care Network is currently onboarding and reviewing professionals and organisations across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Our initial focus includes dermatology, mental health, psychosocial support, and community-based advocacy.

The public directory will go live once the first cohort of listings is confirmed.

Applications are currently open.

How Listings Are Reviewed 

Professionals and organisations must apply to be considered for listing.

Applications are reviewed based on:

• Professional legitimacy (licensure, affiliation, or verifiable public presence)
• Demonstrated experience supporting individuals living with visible differences or chronic skin conditions
• Evidence of psychosocial awareness in care delivery
• Alignment with dignity-centred, appearance-informed practice

Submission does not guarantee listing.

TAP reserves the right to decline or remove listings that do not align with our standards.