Black History Month is a time to honor the history, contributions, and resilience of Black Americans. It’s also an opportunity to acknowledge how behavioral health is experienced, supported, and talked about; and how stigma and access continue to shape those conversations.
At Stop Stigma Sacramento, we believe that understanding behavioral health through both data and lived experience helps create more compassionate, inclusive communities.
Behavioral Health Access and Treatment Gaps
National research shows that Black adults experience behavioral health conditions at rates similar to the general population, yet they are less likely to receive treatment. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, Black adults are significantly less likely than White adults to receive behavioral health services, including counseling or prescription medication.
Additional research from National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reports that only about one in three Black adults with a behavioral health condition receive treatment. These gaps point to barriers in access, not a lack of strength, awareness, or need.
Barriers to Care
Several factors contribute to these disparities. Research from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) shows that experiences of discrimination, medical mistrust, and difficulty finding culturally responsive providers can discourage individuals from seeking care.
Structural challenges also play a role. Underrepresentation of Black behavioral health providers and differences in treatment pathways can affect trust, communication, and outcomes according to NAMI and PubMed Central.
Strength, Resilience, and Community
Despite these challenges, Black communities have long demonstrated resilience through strong family networks, faith-based support, community organizations, and culturally rooted approaches to healing. Today, increased visibility of Black behavioral health professionals and advocates continues to reduce stigma and expand conversations around behavioral wellness.
Why This Matters
Black History Month offers space not only to acknowledge disparities, but also to uplift resilience, progress, and advocacy. By grounding behavioral health conversations in research while honoring community strengths, we can continue working toward more equitable and stigma-free access to care.
If you or someone you know is interested in accessing behavioral health support, help is available:
- Behavioral Health Services-Screening and Coordination (BHS-SAC): 916-875-1055
- Mental Health Urgent Care Clinic: 916-520-2460
- Consumer-Operated Warm Line: 916-366-4668
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline & CWRT: Call or text 988
Access to support can make a difference, and reaching out is an important step toward care and connection.
References
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Minority Health.
Mental and Behavioral Health — Black/African Americans.
https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/mental-and-behavioral-health-blackafrican-americans - National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
Black/African American Mental Health.
https://www.nami.org/your-journey/identity-and-cultural-dimensions/black-african-american - Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF).
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Mental Health Care.
https://www.kff.org/racial-equity-and-health-policy/racial-and-ethnic-disparities-in-mental-health-care-findings-from-the-kff-survey-of-racism-discrimination-and-health/ - National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
Mental Health Inequities: Racism and Racial Discrimination.
https://www.nami.org/Advocacy/Policy-Priorities/Supporting-Community-Inclusion-and-Non-Discrimination/Mental-Health-Inequities-Racism-and-Racial-Discrimination - U.S. National Library of Medicine (PubMed Central).
Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Mental Health Care
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3928067/