The Scarcity of Black Mental Health Professionals and Why It Matters

It has only been a few decades since the field of mental health has recognized the impact of identity on one’s mental health and willingness to seek professional mental health care. Identifying that one’s identity (specifically race/ethnicity) plays a significant role in lived experiences, which, in turn, impacts mental health, has been a first step in breaking down the barriers in Western mental health care.
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Another step to take in eliminating barriers in mental health care is recognizing the scarcity of BlPOC mental health professionals in the U.S. and understanding why it is a concern. 

Cultural responsiveness
An analysis conducted by Counseling Psychology found that 73% of therapists are White, and only 4% are Black or African American. Realizing this difference is shocking,  it is important to consider why this is an issue. Culturally responsive therapy is crucial, especially for groups of people that have mental health concerns related to discrimination, prejudice, etc. 

Anyone, no matter what race, can implement culturally responsive therapy. However, for many racial minorities seeking therapy, working with someone who looks like them can instantly help them feel more comfortable or trusting in the therapist. 
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Reducing stigmas
Many BIPOC communities have stigmas tied to mental health, and many even consider it taboo. Therefore, it is crucial to have mental health professionals who represent these communities and be a voice for individuals who feel silenced by these stigmas. ​

General representation
The implications of having diverse therapists are clear for therapy access and outcomes. However, it is also crucial to increase racial/ethnic representation in a field where BIPOC individuals have historically been misrepresented. 

It is essential for mental health organizations to address the need for more Black therapists to increase awareness of the issue and also increase the representation of diverse therapists in the field. 

Psychology for All (PFA) addresses this issue by providing a diverse network of clinicians for its clients. Most of PFA’s clients are from BIPOC communities; 42% are Black, and 25% are Latine. Furthermore, providing diverse clinicians can help potential clients (specifically from BIPOC communities) feel empowered and comfortable seeking mental services. This contributes to PFA’s mission to increase mental health services for individuals in the Charlotte community and beyond. 

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Sources:

Norris, L. (2024). The number of BIPOC therapists available in these major cities is alarming. https://www.counselingpsychology.org/availability-bipoc-therapists/ 

Waller, B., Hinojosa, C., & Dawson, D. B. (2023). BIPOC/minority mental health needs more diverse care professionals - how ADAA is helping to create equality. https://adaa.org/learn-from-us/from-the-experts/blog-posts/consumer-professional/bipocminority-mental-health-needs 

​~ Evelyn Valenzuela, Guest Writer, PFA Summer Intern 2024 & Undergraduate Psychology Student at UNC Charlotte

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