Each year during the month of February, we recognize and celebrate Black History Month. But how does this relate to mental health? Keep reading to learn more.

As we know, mental health conditions do not discriminate based on race or background. According to the Department of Psychiatry at Columbia University, the adult Black community is 20% more likely to experience serious mental health problems, but only about 25% of Black people seek mental care. This is in contrast to the 40% of people in the White community who seek routine mental healthcare.

Below are a few reasons, that research shows, why mental health services in the Black community are not heavily utilized.

Therapy can be a Sign of Weakness

In the Black community, struggling with mental health can be seen as a sign of weakness. Often the narrative is to “man up” or not to share your “business.” Consequently, individuals may experience shame about having a mental illness and worry that they may be discriminated against due to their condition. This fear often prevents individuals from seeking mental healthcare.

Shortage of Black Clinicians in Healthcare

As individuals seek help, it's not unusual to find a Black counselor or therapist only to learn they are booked to capacity. Only 6.2% of psychologists, 5.6% of advanced-practice psychiatric nurses, 12.6% of social workers, and 21.3% of psychiatrists are members of minority groups. According to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), only 3.7% of members in the American Psychiatric Association and 1.5% of members in the American Psychological Association are Black.

Lack of Representation

Having a provider who “gets it” is a great rapport builder and can create safety in the counseling relationship. The lack of representation in healthcare can make it difficult to find a counselor who can identify with your experience.

Support and Treatment: Finding a Culturally Competent Provider

When meeting with a provider, it can be helpful to ask questions to get a sense of their level of cultural awareness. Providers welcome questions from their patients or clients, as it helps with the treatment process and counseling relationship. Here are some examples (Source: NAMI):

Have you treated other Black people or received training in cultural competence for mental health?
How do you see our cultural backgrounds influencing our communication and my treatment?
Do you use a different approach in your treatment when working with clients from different cultural backgrounds?
What is your current understanding of differences in health outcomes for Black clients?

After meeting with a mental health provider, you may want to ask yourself:

Did my provider communicate effectively with me?
Is my provider willing to integrate my beliefs, practices, and cultural background into my treatment plan?
Did I feel like I was treated with respect and dignity?
Do I feel like my provider understands and relates well with me?

Here at Atlanta Wellness Collective, we want to help. For support, contact us or request an appointment online.

Sources: National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), American Psychological Association, and the American Psychiatric Association

This blog post was written by Tameka Bell, LPC.

Disclaimer: This blog is not intended to substitute professional therapeutic advice. Talk with your healthcare provider about your health concerns and before starting or stopping therapies. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct professional advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

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