Racial disparities in the Mental Health System & the importance of “Therapy for Black Girls”

“In the age of information, ignorance is a choice”.-Donald Miller

Although my following may be minimal (to non existent), I feel that it is important to use my platform to share some of my feelings, insights and perspective on institutional racism in America and how I have seen it play out in the world of mental/behavioral health.

In my personal experience as a clinician, working in many settings (i.e. psychiatric hospital, outpatient treatment facilities and private practice), I have seen the stigma that exists within many communities. Around Mental health and substance abuse treatment, it has been particularly noticeable in the Black community. In addition, I have witnessed the impact of American systems i.e. criminal justice, healthcare, employment, housing etc., and the barriers these systems create for Black people in receiving appropriate mental health and behavioral health services. 

Studies have shown that racial disparities and unfair differences in the system of mental health exist. Research has shown that black, indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) are less likely to have access to mental health servicesless likely to seek out mental health servicesand more likely to receive poor quality care. On top of this, misdiagnosis and over diagnosis of mental health disorders tend to be higher for BIPOC. In my graduate school Social Work studies, I spent a lot of time exploring the intersection of body image (satisfaction, distortion) in regard to eating disorders in women (while also looking at the impact of race and socio-economic status). Eating Disorder diagnosis is a good example to support the fact that BIPOC experience misdiagnosis in the mental health system due to the color of their skin. Through my research, I found it abundantly clear that little research has been conducted utilizing participants from racial ethnic minority groups. In fact, according to NEDA, “Exact statistics on the prevalence of eating disorders among women of color are unavailable due to our historically biased view that eating disorders affect White women”. In the book, “A Hunger So Wide and So Deep”, Becky Thompson explains that eating disorders in African American women began as survival strategies. “They began as sensible acts of self preservation in response to myriad injustices including racism, sexism, homophobia, classism, the stress of acculturation, and emotional, physical, and sexual abuse”. When survival strategies become factors, (rather than as responded to strictures about shape and size) the identification and existence of eating disorders within the black community cannot be denied in history or society. 

As a therapist, my goal is to be present with my clients and hold space for them to feel seen, be heard and receive support to help build self awareness and foster courage to promote change and growth from within. However, a reality that exists is that I am a young, White, female therapist. This is important to take into account, as it impacts the therapeutic space and relationship in more than one way. This is important to take into account, because White Privilege, Color-Blindness and racism exist in Psychotherapy. This is important to take into account because, the field of psychology trends heavily White and female (like me). This is important to take into account, because although I am committed to doing anti racist work (both personally and professionally) I hold implicit bias and White Privilege. This is important to take into account, because our society has been socially constructed to see the world through a “White Lens”. This is important to take into account, because in order to practice culturally competent therapy, I must acknowledge difference and openly express my commitment to inclusivity. THIS IS IMPORTANT TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT, BECAUSE IT FORCES ME(and hopefully others) TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE SYSTEM I AM(we are) WORKING IN.

More recently (I wish this happened sooner), I have become acutely aware of the significance of clinicians of color (specifically the work, perspective and value that they provide to the field of Psychology and Social Work). In an effort to gain further awareness, education and insight into their therapeutic work, I learned about “Therapy For Black Girls”. “Therapy For Black Girls”(link included below) is an online space created by a licensed psychologist named Dr. Joy Harden Bradford that aims to present mental health topics in a way that feels more accessible and relevant for Black women. Dr. Joy Harden Bradford acknowledges the stigma surrounding mental health issues and therapy, which often prevents Black women from seeking therapy. She also has a podcast (that I highly recommend as it has been extremely helpful and informative for me). I believe that at this time (and always), it is imperative to hold and create safe spaces for Black women to engage in therapy. As a mental health professional, I desire to amplify black voices, share resources with my community as well as educate White allies on opportunities/ways to support Black women (and men). I encourage all of my readers to check out “Therapy For Black Girls” and pass it along to other friends, family and colleagues. 

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