About Black/African American Mental Health

Key Issues and Problems

Black/African American communities have long faced systemic barriers to accessing mental health care. Historically, these challenges were deeply rooted in segregation and racial discrimination. During the 1950s, Black individuals were often only permitted to receive treatment from Black psychiatrists and psychologists—who were few in number due to exclusion from medical education and professional institutions. Even after the Civil Rights Movement and the formal end of Jim Crow laws, many mental health professionals continued to refuse care to Black/African American patients, either overtly or through neglectful and biased practices.

Unfortunately, these barriers have not been fully dismantled. Today, Black/African Americans still experience disparities in access, cultural understanding, and quality of care. Mistrust in the medical system—shaped by a long history of racism—remains a significant obstacle.

A 2013 study by Ward, Wiltshire, Detry, and Brown identified three core reasons why mental health care remains underutilized in Black/African American communities:

Societal Barriers 

The mental health challenges facing Black/African American communities cannot be separated from the broader context of historical and ongoing social injustice. Generations of systemic racism—including slavery, segregation, sharecropping, and exclusion from healthcare, education, housing, and economic opportunities—have created enduring socioeconomic disparities that continue to impact mental health outcomes today.

According to the American Psychological Association, this legacy of adversity contributes to elevated risks for poor mental health, especially among individuals who are impoverished, housing insecure, incarcerated, or living with substance use disorders. These risk factors disproportionately affect Black/African American communities, reinforcing cycles of trauma and limited access to care.

While society has made some progress in addressing overt discrimination, racism—both structural and interpersonal—remains a daily reality for many. Negative stereotypes, unconscious bias, and social rejection persist in schools, workplaces, the criminal justice system, and healthcare settings. These experiences are not just harmful—they are measurable, with clear consequences for emotional well-being.

Mental Health America emphasizes that these historical and present-day injustices have cultivated a deep distrust in institutions and authority figures, including those within the healthcare system. Many Black/African Americans understandably question whether mental health providers truly understand their experiences or have their best interests at heart.

To address these barriers, mental health initiatives must go beyond individual support—they must actively confront the societal and systemic factors that shape mental health disparities. This includes building cultural trust, dismantling racist practices, and empowering Black communities through representation, equity, and justice in every aspect of care.

Accessibility/Affordability

Access to quality mental health care remains a major barrier for many Black/African American individuals—rooted in systemic inequalities and compounded by economic challenges and cultural mismatches in care.

According to Ward, Wiltshire, Detry, and Brown (2013), less than 2% of American Psychological Association members are Black/African American, raising concerns about the cultural competence of providers. Many individuals worry that mental health professionals may not fully understand or respect their lived experiences, especially when it comes to race, identity, and community. This concern is not unfounded—some Black/African American patients have reported experiences of racism and microaggressions from therapists, deepening the mistrust in the mental health system.

Affordability is another persistent obstacle. As of 2014, 15.9% of Black/African Americans were still uninsured, making it difficult to access consistent or specialized care. Even those with insurance may face high out-of-pocket costs, long wait times, or a lack of nearby providers who are culturally informed and trusted.

These disparities are reflected in treatment outcomes and engagement. A 2011 report found that only 54.3% of Black/African American adults experiencing a major depressive episode received treatment, compared to 73.1% of white adults. Similarly, in 2010, just 40.6% of Black/African Americans aged 12 and older who entered substance use treatment completed their programs (Kronik et al., 2014).

These gaps underscore the urgent need for structural change—not just in policy, but in how care is delivered, funded, and understood. Solutions must include expanding access to affordable insurance, investing in culturally competent care, and diversifying the mental health workforce to better reflect the communities it serves.

Stigma and Behavior

According to research by Ward, Wiltshire, Detry, and Brown (2013), cultural beliefs around stigma, psychological openness, and help-seeking significantly shape how Black/African Americans respond to mental health challenges. The study found that many participants were hesitant to acknowledge psychological issues openly, even though some expressed a willingness to seek mental health support.

Stigma continues to be a powerful barrier—especially among Black/African American men, who often face intense societal pressure to appear strong and self-reliant. Within many Black communities, mental illness is frequently misunderstood or minimized. Conditions like mild depression or anxiety are often labeled as being “crazy,” a term that fuels shame and discourages open conversations. This perception can make it especially difficult to discuss mental health, even among close family members.

The fear of judgment and cultural silence around mental health issues often prevents individuals from accessing the care they need. These findings highlight the urgent need for culturally responsive mental health education and resources that affirm the lived experiences of Black/African American individuals—while breaking down stigma and building trust.

Resources

👥 Therapist Directories & Mental Health Networks

  • Therapy for Black Girls
    A directory of culturally competent therapists plus blogs, a podcast, and community support for Black women and girls.
    therapyforblackgirls.com

  • Therapy for Black Men
    A growing network connecting Black men with therapists who understand their lived experiences.
    therapyforblackmen.org

  • Clinicians of Color
    A directory and community for BIPOC mental health professionals offering culturally sensitive care.
    cliniciansofcolor.org

  • Inclusive Therapists
    Offers a directory of therapists who center marginalized identities, including Black, LGBTQ+, and disabled clients.
    inclusivetherapists.com

🧠 Education, Support & Advocacy

  • The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation
    Founded by Taraji P. Henson, this organization provides free therapy support and breaks stigma in the Black community.
    borislhensonfoundation.org

  • Black Mental Wellness
    Offers mental health resources, psychoeducation, and tools created by Black psychologists.
    blackmentalwellness.com

  • BEAM (Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective)
    A national organization focused on education, peer support, training, and eliminating mental health barriers in Black communities.
    beam.community

  • The Loveland Foundation
    Provides free therapy sessions to Black women and girls through its therapy fund and partner network.
    thelovelandfoundation.org

📍 Virginia-Based Resources

🧠 Therapists & Community Clinics

  • The Center for Child & Family Services (Newport News)
    Offers culturally sensitive therapy, support groups, and trauma services for children, teens, and families. Sliding scale available.
    childandfamilyservices.org

  • The Women’s Initiative (Charlottesville)
    Provides free or low-cost mental health services, including therapy, support groups, and wellness workshops. Culturally inclusive and LGBTQ+ affirming.
    thewomensinitiative.org

  • Ubuntu Counseling Services (Richmond)
    Black-led private practice offering trauma-informed, culturally affirming mental health care.
    ubuntucounselingservices.com

  • The Up Center (Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Virginia Beach)
    Offers outpatient counseling, family support, and youth programs with accessibility in mind.
    theupcenter.org

  • Empower Behavioral Health & Intervention (Roanoke, Richmond, Northern VA)
    Culturally responsive counseling for children, adolescents, and families, including school-based services.
    empowerbhi.com

  • Henrico County African American Mental Health Project
    Focuses on mental health equity and awareness for African Americans in the Richmond/Henrico area. Offers educational events and community dialogues.
    henrico.us

  • Black Mental Health Alliance of Virginia (BMHAV) (Emerging Network)
    A growing grassroots alliance working to improve access to culturally competent services and reduce stigma statewide.

  • Mental Health America of Virginia (MHAV)
    Advocacy and peer-run support services, including programs for underserved Black communities.
    mhav.org

📞 Crisis Support

  • BlackLine: Call or text 1-800-604-5841

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988

Media

    • Therapy for Black Girls
      Dr. Joy Harden Bradford explores mental health, self-care, and personal development for Black women and girls.
      therapyforblackgirls.com/podcast

    • Between Sessions Podcast
      Hosted by Melanin & Mental Health, offering real talk about therapy, stigma, and Black experiences.
      melaninandmentalhealth.com

    • Black Mental Health Podcast
      Hosted by Reginald A. Howard, focused on authentic conversations about mental health and healing in Black communities.
      blackmentalhealthpodcast.com

    • Mind Over Melanin
      A podcast that intersects mental health with race, parenting, and social justice.
      mindovermelanin.com

    • Let’s Talk Bruh
      A podcast on Black masculinity, mental health, and vulnerability—centered on Black men.
      letstalkbruh.com

    • "The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health" – Dr. Rheeda Walker
      A practical guide addressing stigma, trauma, and self-empowerment.

    • "Sister Outsider" – Audre Lorde
      While not solely about mental health, this collection of essays explores identity, oppression, and emotional survival.

    • "It’s Always Been Ours" – Jessica Wilson
      Examines how the mental health system has marginalized Black women and calls for radical self-care and resistance.

    • "Eloquent Rage" – Brittney Cooper
      A powerful exploration of rage, healing, feminism, and the mental toll of injustice.

    • "Love and Rage: The Path of Liberation through Anger" – Lama Rod Owens
      A deeply personal and spiritual reflection on anger, healing, and transformation from a Black queer Buddhist teacher.

    • "You Are Your Best Thing" – Edited by Tarana Burke & Brené Brown
      An anthology of stories on vulnerability and shame resilience by Black authors.

    • "Hurt People Hurt People" – BET Digital Series
      Explores mental health stigma in the Black community, with real stories and professional input.

    • "In Our Right Mind" (Documentary)
      A film focusing on Black women, mental health, faith, and healing through culturally rooted care.

    • "Out of Darkness"
      A documentary on the historical and cultural impact of trauma and resilience in Black communities.

    • "The Me You Can’t See" (Apple TV+)
      While broader in scope, this series (produced by Oprah & Prince Harry) features Black voices discussing mental health and trauma.

    • "Tarell Alvin McCraney's David Makes Man" (OWN)
      A powerful scripted series about a gifted Black boy navigating grief, mental health, and identity.

  • 🧠 The Safe Place

    Created specifically for the Black community.
    Includes education on mental health, self-care strategies, crisis support, Black mental health news, and tools for processing racial trauma.
    ➡️ thesafeplaceapp.com | Free – iOS & Android

    🧘 Liberate

    Mindfulness and meditation by Black voices, for Black healing.
    Features guided meditations focused on rest, grief, joy, ancestral healing, and freedom.
    ➡️ liberatemeditation.com | Free with subscription options

    🤝 Ayana

    Therapy that affirms your identity.
    Matches users with licensed therapists who share your race, gender identity, or cultural background—ideal for those seeking culturally competent care.
    ➡️ ayanaapp.com

    ✨ Shine

    Self-care app co-founded by a Black woman.
    Daily meditations, sleep support, and journaling rooted in inclusion and real-life challenges faced by BIPOC users.
    ➡️ theshineapp.com

    🎥 Alkeme Health

    Streaming mental health & wellness content tailored to the Black experience.
    Video & audio lessons from Black therapists, healers, and wellness coaches.
    ➡️ alkemehealth.com

    💬 BEAM (Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective)

    Wellness tools built for the community.
    Offers toolkits, online trainings, and emotional skill-building resources to support Black mental health and liberation.
    ➡️ beam.community

    👑 Henry Health (For Black men)

    Focuses on mental wellness and preventive care for Black men.
    Still in beta, but centered on stress management, self-care, and access to culturally competent providers.
    ➡️ henry-health.com