Bridging the Gaps of Racial Disparity in the Mental Health Field

Representation is crucial in our society. As we grow up and learn about the world, we need to see people who look like us, talk like us, and have similar experiences. When we see ourselves represented in the world, we have people to look up to and goals to aspire towards.

For black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), representation hasn’t been readily available. In 2021, racial disparity is a pressing issue in health fields — especially mental health ones. By working to bridge these gaps of racial disparity, we can make health care more representative and available for everyone.

Understanding the Lack of Diversity in Mental Health Fields

Access to mental health care is crucial and having access to someone you feel comfortable with is even more so. Statistically, America severely lacks diversity and representation in mental health fields.

According to a study by the American Psychological Association (APA), 86% of psychologists in the U.S. were white, 5% were Asian, 5% were Hispanic, 4% were black, and 1% were multiracial or from other ethnic groups. For context, the U.S. population itself is 62% white and 38% ethnic minority. These statistics shine light on the stark underrepresentation of BIPOC in the mental health field.

BIPOC Have Less Access to Mental Health Care

Not only is there a lack of diversity in mental health fields, but BIPOC also has less access to mental health care. According to Healthline, black American adults are 10% more likely to report serious psychological distress compared to white American adults. Despite experiencing higher levels of distress, only 30% of black adults receive treatments for their mental health conditions. The U.S. average of people who do so in general is 42%.

Clearly, there is a disparity in need vs. access for black Americans with mental health. Because of stigmas around mental health, socioeconomic disparities, and a lack of minorities in the mental health field, black Americans are less likely to seek help.

Improving Mental Health Access for BIPOC

The disparities in both access and representation in the mental health field are obvious. With civil rights, police brutality, and the Black Lives Matter movement being at the forefront of our minds as we move forward, how do we bridge these disparities and create an inclusive mental health sector?

The first step is to be willing to learn. Black people have faced consistently unjust treatment in America, and racism is still a prevalent issue. We can’t solve the racial disparity in the mental health field overnight, or even in a few years. Like racism itself, racial disparities are deeply ingrained into our culture, and it will be an ongoing effort to learn, adapt, and improve our mindsets.

Next, we need to work to normalize mental health awareness. The more we talk about and normalize seeking help for mental health issues, the more people will do it. Black people are less likely to seek help for their mental health, but it doesn’t have to be this way. The more we talk about and encourage people to see mental health care as a necessity — not a sign of weakness — the more they’ll be willing to seek care they need and deserve.

Working To Bridge the Gaps

Finally, we need to focus our efforts on becoming an antiracist society. It’s not enough to acknowledge that racism exists or that it’s an issue. We have to actively work every day to unlearn our prejudices, uplift black voices, and help people receive the care they need. Also, we need to encourage more diversity in health fields, especially mental health. As more BIPOC seek treatment for their mental health needs and pursue careers in the mental health field, we will bridge the gap. In the meantime, we must learn, listen, and adapt to make mental health care more inclusive.