Black History Month has its origins in a 50th anniversary celebration of the emancipation in 1950. Today, it’s a month-long annual celebration thanks to the pioneering efforts of Dr. Carter G. Woodson and what’s now known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). Dr. Woodson told students at Hampton University, a Historically Black College and University, or HBCU, that “We are going back to that beautiful history, and it is going to inspire us to greater achievements.”
In addition to honoring Black history and ancestors, considering the past helps us understand the struggles of today. Black History Month marks an important opportunity to talk about the unique mental health challenges faced by Black Americans and how to provide better mental health care for Black individuals and communities.
How history helps us understand the present
Understanding the realities of Black mental health today requires examining history. As Dr. Erica Wilkins explains, “The system of slavery was predicated on the belief that African Americans are inferior, and that systemic inequality still persists today, as evidenced by the disproportionate incarceration of African Americans, educational and health disparities, housing inequalities, among many others.”
These inequalities contribute to chronic stress, limited access to care, and mistrust of healthcare systems, all of which impact Black mental health. However, Black communities have also fostered resilience through strong family ties, spirituality, and activism. Recognizing both struggle and strength is essential to providing culturally competent mental health care.
As Tahara DeBarrows, LMFT, a Grow Therapy provider puts it: “Black History Month is a time to honor the sacrifices of those who came before us while building something enduring for those who will come after us.”
Intergenerational trauma
Intergenerational trauma, also called generational trauma or historical trauma, refers to the transmission of trauma-related stress from one generation to the next. While trauma experienced by one generation can contribute to emotional and psychological difficulties in subsequent generations, this process is complex and influenced by social, genetic, and environmental factors.
The trauma experienced by the first or people in the “chain” can be emotional, psychological, sexual, or physical. If trauma is not healed, can lead to detrimental effects on the next generation’s health and well-being. A review published by The American Journal of Psychiatry notes that “African American adults who have depression rate their symptoms as more severe, have a longer course of illness, and experience more depression-associated disability” than their white counterparts. Put another way, the traumatic effects of structural racism can be passed down and even amplified in how mental illness presents in the lives of Black Americans today.
The role of historical exclusion
Historically, Black Americans have faced displacement, segregation, and exclusion, often through government policies that exacerbated racial inequality. These structural barriers have contributed to disparities in home ownership, education, health care access, and economic opportunities — all of which affect mental well-being.
We have seen increasing backlash to the recognition of Black history and achievements — not just in recent years but even now, in 2025. This only contributes more to feelings of invisibility and erasure among Black people in the US. As an article in Nature Mental Health points out, “Targeting the truthful accounting of American history and its systems and institutions serves to undermine the mental health and wellbeing of Black people.”
Black mental health trailblazers
As in many other professions, the contributions of Black Americans to the mental health field have been historically under-recognized. There are many Black mental health pioneers who have advanced the field of psychology and mental health by challenging systemic inequities, advocating for culturally competent care, and conducting groundbreaking research on the mental health needs of Black communities.
Herman George Canady, Ph.D. was the first to study how the rapport between an IQ test proctor and the subject can create bias, especially when it comes to race. Learn more about Herman George Canady, Ph.D.
Mamie Phipps Clark, Ph.D. and Kenneth Bancroft Clark, Ph.D. are best known for their “Doll Study” that helped prove that school segregation was psychologically harmful to Black children. The study played a key role in the Supreme Court case of Brown vs. The Board of Education. Learn more about the Clarks.
Francis Cecil Sumner, Ph.D. and Inez Beverly Prosser, Ph.D. were the first African Americans to earn their doctoral degrees in psychology. Dr. Sumner is referred to as the “Father of Black Psychology, and Dr. Prosser’s dissertation, “The Non-Academic Development of Negro Children in Mixed and Segregated Schools,” was widely acknowledged. Learn more about Dr. Sumner and Dr. Prosser.
The role of Black culture in mental health
Black culture plays a complex role in the mental health experiences of individuals. Yet, Black culture is not a monolith, and different community members can have vastly different experiences depending on where they live, their family history, and various other factors. For instance, for many Black Americans, religion and spirituality can be a deep source of strength and community during challenging times. While the guidance of a clergyperson can be profoundly helpful, many people will also require the care of a trained and licensed mental health professional.
Similarly, a culture that celebrates strength and resilience can be beneficial, but it can also lead to some members of that culture to fear being perceived as “weak.” This can lead to a stigma against mental illness and seeking treatment. DeBarrows notes that “By owning my truth as a Black therapist, I aim to dismantle those stigmas and remind others that seeking help is an act of strength, not weakness.”
Modern challenges and disparities
As detailed by the Mental Health Coalition, there are common stressors that disproportionately affect Black people in the US, including:
Code-switching – The often-stressful practice of alternating between different languages, dialects, or cultural behaviors depending on circumstances or present company.
Microaggressions – Statements, actions, or incidents that communicate subtle, intentional or unintentional discrimination against members of marginalized groups.
Avoiding stereotypes – Members of marginalized groups often feel the need to be more vigilant of their behavior to avoid acting in ways that are seen to align with racist stereotypes.
Fear of systems – Black Americans often experience systemic racism, which manifests in discriminatory treatment within the medical system, banking institutions, legal system, and other social structures.
Internalized racism – Because Black people develop within a white-dominated society, they are consistently exposed to racist stereotypes, images, and ideas that are difficult to avoid and can sometimes make their way into a person’s ways of thinking.
Intersecting identities – Many Black people have multiple overlapping identities — such as class, education level, sexual or gender orientation — that intersect with their Black identities. This can lead to confusion, unique experiences of oppression, and discrimination even within their own communities.
Adultification – Black children are frequently seen and treated as older and less innocent than white children. This is particularly dangerous in the law enforcement and justice system, where Black children can be targeted and unfairly treated by police officers and in court cases.
Racial trauma – Race-based traumatic stress (RBTS) is mental and emotional trauma caused by repeated experiences of racism, discrimination, and hate crimes.
Furthermore, the Mental Health Coalition notes the increased risk factors for Black Americans for many common mental health conditions, including:
Depression: 20% of people experiencing depression are Black, yet they’re less likely to receive treatment.
Anxiety: Racism and discrimination lead to more risk factors for anxiety.
Substance use: Experiencing a mental illness increases the likelihood of substance use.
Trauma or PTSD: “Exposure to trauma is highest among Black Americans compared to all other racial groups.”
Suicidal thoughts: “Suicidal thoughts, plans, and attempts have been rising among Black and African American young adults, age 18-25, since 2018.”
Schizophrenia: Black Americans are twice as likely to be diagnosed with schizophrenia than their white counterparts — likely due to bias.
Black men in particular are at risk for suicide. As reported by NAMI, “Suicide is the third leading cause of death for Black or African American men ages 15-24. The mental health crisis is particularly evident in the case of Black men; in 2018, the suicide rate for Black or African American men was four times greater than for African American women.”
How mental health care is changing to support the mental health needs of the Black community
Cultural sensitivity is essential to meeting the mental health needs of the Black community. NAMI reports that “Black Americans are often overdiagnosed with severe mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, and they are underdiagnosed for mood-related disorders, like depression and anxiety. They are also less likely to be offered medication for their diagnosis, even when appropriate and covered by health care.”
Some modalities that can be especially helpful for Black patients include narrative therapy, EMDR, and talk therapy.
The Mental Health Coalition recommends cultivating these skills and strategies for building resilience and fostering a sense of self-worth:
Celebrating Black joy
Leaning into community
Bringing others with you
Strengthening your pride
Engaging in self-care
Expressing your feelings
Leaning into authenticity
How to focus on mental health for the Black community during Black History Month
Simply participating in Black History Month celebrations is an important step to creating the reflection and empowerment needed for positive mental health. By connecting to the past achievements of Black Americans, you’re already building pride, self-worth, and community. DeBarrows notes that “As a Black therapist, I try to affirm that our voices belong in every space, especially in mental health.”
Talking about mental health for the Black community on social media and among your friends and family can go much farther than you think in breaking down barriers and stigma. You never know who might decide to get help because you shared your story.
It’s incumbent on us all to raise awareness of structural racism and its daily toll on the mental health of millions. Getting involved in advocacy and activism can help combat feelings of helplessness and isolation.
Resources for mental health support
These organizations are dedicated to improving access to mental health resources for Black Americans:
Black mental health matters
Black History Month provides a chance to start and continue the conversation on the ongoing impact of historical racism and systemic barriers to improving Black mental health. This month — and for the rest of the year — take the time to check in with yourself on your personal needs for healing, support, and care. If you need help, remember that there’s nothing weak or wrong about seeking treatment for mental health. Above all, keep building connections — with the rich history of Black Americans, with your community, and with your friends and family — wherever possible.
If you or someone in your community is looking for a therapist who is covered by insurance, Grow Therapy can help. You can find a Black/African American therapist who specializes in your unique needs using our filters.
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