Mental Health Disproportionally Affects the Black Community. Here’s How We Can Fix That.

By: Cara McNulty & Dr. Joneigh Khaldun

Since its formal recognition in 2008, July marks Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. Now recognized as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) Mental Health Month, this month serves as an opportunity to educate and bring awareness to the unique mental health struggles that underrepresented groups face in our nation.

While everyone can be affected by mental health issues, Black individuals are one community disproportionately affected by mental illness. Traditional, status quo medical systems often fail to address these disparities. We must focus on tackling these barriers more than just during this awareness month because this is the key to ensuring that our health care system provides high quality, culturally relevant mental health services. Black individuals deserve the necessary support to recognize mental illness, stand up against stigma and reach out for help when they need it.

Mental Health and the Black Experience

Research suggests that Black and African American individuals are 20% more likely to experience serious mental health issues such as depression and anxiety than their White counterparts and, according to CVS Health and Morning Consult’s latest data, Black Americans surveyed saw an 11%-point increase in mental health concerns since the start of the pandemic. They are also more likely to report persistent symptoms of sadness or feelings “that everything is an effort” than the rest of the population.

According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), compared to non-Hispanic whites, Black and African-American people with any mental illness have lower outpatient mental health care utilization rates. Many factors contribute to this drop-off, including misdiagnosis and dismissal of symptoms by health care providers, a general mistrust of the health care industry fueled by historical and current injustices and mistreatment, a lack of inclusive research, a shortage of Black and African-American mental health professionals, and unmet social needs. It is also crucial to acknowledge how racism and structural socioeconomic barriers contribute to Black individuals’ higher levels of stress and anxiety and the community’s increased need for care.

Overcoming Barriers to Mental Health Care Access 

Despite the heightened needs of the community, the APA also reports that only one in three Black adults who need mental health care receive it. This is, in part, due to an absence of cultural competency and representation among mental health practitioners—in the U.S., less than 5% of psychologists are Black— in addition to provider bias, racism, inequality of care, socioeconomic factors and stigma among the community.

While countless resources are available to help combat stigma and offer individuals the support they want and need, some feel that these resources are not inclusive of the Black community and their unique experiences. Many companies and organizations are working to change that. At CVS Health, for example, we are committed to breaking down barriers to mental health care, especially among those communities that have been systemically discriminated against and whose mental health needs have often been overlooked or unaddressed. For instance, last year, Aetna introduced a four-course continuing education series for Behavioral Health professionals to increase their cultural and linguistic competencies. We also began a collaborative effort with CVS Insights to compile consumer research specific to the Black community to maximize ongoing dialogue and best inform our mental well-being engagement initiatives for this community. Additionally, through our Resources for Living program, Aetna Medicare Advantage offering, and efforts to make care more accessible through CVS HealthHUB® locations, we continue with our pledge to bring the necessary behavioral tools to our members, customers and communities.

Mental Health America also offers an extensive list of resources that individuals can access—spanning from a compilation of Black Pioneers in Mental Health to statistics and information on some of the issues that directly affect Black mental health—as well as a directory of mental health tools and organizations for those in search of the proper support. 

Championing racial justice and change is vital to tackling systemic inequalities that contribute to poor mental health among the Black community. Not only does this encourage others to act when needed, but it also is the only way to move forward as a society. By advocating for the rights of all historically marginalized communities, we can lead the charge and create true and lasting change.