Mental Health Disparities in the Black Community

By Chantay Stanley, LCSWA

According to Mental Health America, 13.4% of the United States population is considered black. Approximately 16% of the black community in the United States self-reports having a mental illness, that equates to more than 7 million individuals in the black community. Although African Americans have experienced more trauma than white Americans, they experience mental health disorders at the same amount or less than white Americans. However, African Americans do not receive mental health treatment at the rates that their white counterparts receive mental health treatment. In 2018 more than 50% of African American adults with mental illnesses did not receive treatment.

Lack of Mental Health Treatment for African Americans:

• Less access to health care

• Less trusting of medical professionals because of past and present lack of transparency and biases

• In the African American community there is a stigma associated with mental health

• Lack of education

• Racism and negative stereotypes

• Those with mental health conditions involving psychosis are more likely to be imprisoned than white Americans that have the same symptoms

• Health insurance is unaffordable/no access to health insurance

If you are experiencing lack of trust pertaining to biases and racism, we have African American therapists available. If you do not have access to insurance, we also have interns available for $30 per session. Please contact our office so that we can continue to close the gap with mental health care in the African American community.