Introduction
In recent years, efforts to raise awareness and destigmatize mental health challenges within the Black community have encouraged more Black families and young adults to seek care. But across America, Black youth and their families continue to face a multitude of barriers when attempting to access mental health information and care. At the same time, quantitative research focusing on Black youth mental health is limited. And amid the current youth mental health crisis, it has become clear that Black children are in dire need of mental health support.
Meeting the Mental Health Needs of Black Children and Young Adults
The Child Mind Institute, in partnership with The Steve Fund, has conducted a study that explores the views and experiences of Black parents seeking mental health care for their children and young adults seeking care for themselves — and identifies key barriers to care. This study included a comprehensive literature review and nationally representative survey.
More Resources
From the results of the study, the Child Mind Institute and The Steve Fund have developed a suite of resources for parents, clinical experts, and young adults alike.
Articles
Based on the study results, we’ve developed resources that speak directly to the mental health needs of Black children and young adults
Webinars
The study was separated into two parts, a comprehensive literature review and nationally representative survey. After each stage, we held a panel to present findings and discuss mental health in the Black community.
Mental Health Support for Black Families Panel Discussion
In this webinar, experts shared findings from the literature review and engaged in a broader conversation about access to mental health care within the Black community. Topics included:
- Cultural/family stigma
- Mistrust in the health care system
- How policy impacts access to care
- Examples of intervention & prevention initiatives
Black Families and Youth Mental Health Panel
In this panel, our expert panelists discuss the findings of the survey and how to improve the quality of mental health care for Black children and young adults, including:
- Shifts in views toward mental health
- Parent vs. young adult response to stigma
- Barriers to quality care
- Medication skepticism
- Intervention and prevention initiatives
The Steve Fund: Supplemental Resources
As an answer to the key barriers identified in the study, the Steve Fund developed a supplement to the report that provides expert-approved recommendations for improving the mental health care of Black children and youth. Additionally, they hosted a series of panels called Ask the Expert, which highlights the perspectives of parents and other family members, young people, and mental health experts on this topic.
