Mental Health Services And Therapy For Black Men: Considerations And Support Options

A person’s racial or ethnic identity can bring joy and a sense of connection with one’s community, as well as systemic barriers and challenges due to the often-inequitable world we live in. Many Black men today live with this complicated dichotomy. The trauma of being a target of frequent discrimination and identity-based violence can contribute to a variety of mental health challenges that require treatment, but mental health services are often hard to connect with for a variety of reasons—historical, systemic, economic, cultural, and others. Here, we’ll look at the current mental health landscape for Black men, common barriers to receiving quality therapy services, and how to find a culturally competent therapist who can provide support.

The current mental health landscape for Black men

No group of people is a monolith, and each Black man has unique experiences and mental health needs. That said, like members of any marginalized group, Black men often share certain experiences due to the systemic issues present in today’s society, which can lead to higher rates of mental health challenges. For example:

• The third leading cause of death for Black boys and men aged 15 to 24 is suicide.
• Black men are four times as likely to die by suicide as Black women.
• Black Americans are two to three times as likely to be murdered by police as White Americans, the trauma of which can also have a ripple effect on the mental wellness and overall health of communities.
• Black young people (ages 18 to 25) experience the highest prevalence of any mental health condition compared to young adults of other races.

Also consider the following factors that often play a role in the mental health of those who identify as Black men.

Lived experiences of discrimination and violence

Research suggests that Black men are at a “noticeably high risk for trauma exposure.” The reasons for this are complex and systemic. 

For example, poverty is considered by many experts to be a form of trauma in and of itself. In addition, gun violence tends to be more prevalent in poor and economically marginalized communities. Black people in the US tend to be more likely to live in economically marginalized communities due to a long history and the ongoing reality of systemic abuse and structural exclusion. This can create environments where intersecting and overlapping forms of trauma affect many community members.

Another example is the identity-based discrimination that many Black individuals face frequently—even daily, in some cases—from microaggressions to overt hostility. A Pew Research report suggests that 75% of Black adults surveyed say they have experienced racial discrimination. 

Experiences of violence and social and systemic discrimination like these can increase Black men’s risk of developing mental health challenges, from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to depression and others. 

Stereotypes and societal pressure

Despite growing awareness, many men of all backgrounds still experience the pressure to conform to societal gender roles by displaying a stoic, largely emotionless façade, no matter what they’re feeling, or risk social rejection and other consequences. This can make admitting that one is experiencing mental health challenges—or even that one is simply feeling sad, stressed, or uncertain—difficult. 

As a result, many men may not feel comfortable reaching out for support, even from friends and family, and this sense of isolation could put them at a higher risk for mental health challenges. Some studies also indicate that social and cultural views of Black masculinity may add another layer of stigma to Black men who are experiencing emotional or mental health challenges.

For these reasons, among others, men still face pervasive stigma around experiencing a mental health challenge, as well as seeking help for it. Research indicates that less than 40% of men who experience a mental illness will seek professional support, often due to the fear of social judgment. 

The topic of intersectionality

Finally, it can be important to note the topic of intersectionality, which is “the interaction and cumulative effects of multiple forms of discrimination affecting the daily lives of individuals.” The concept was originally put forth by scholar and civil rights advocate Kimberlé Crenshaw. It was primarily devised to describe the intersecting forms of oppression Black women face (based on both gender and race), but it is now used to describe people with any number of different types of overlapping, marginalized identities. 

Many Black men also face intersecting forms of oppression, which can impact mental health outcomes and healthcare experiences. Black men who are members of the LGBTQIA+ community, Black men who are disabled, and Black men who are members of marginalized groups based on religion, for example, may face additional forms of trauma, stigma, and barriers to receiving quality healthcare.

Why quality therapy for Black men is often unavailable or hard to get

As discussed above, Black men (especially those with intersecting identities) may be at a higher risk of mental health challenges due to many factors, including lived experiences of discrimination, other forms of trauma, and limiting stereotypes about masculinity. Various barriers to receiving quality mental health care like therapy to address these challenges often exacerbate them. Below are a few examples of barriers to care that many Black men face today.

Systemic barriers to receiving medical and mental health services in general 

For Black men who want or need to seek mental health care, doing so can be difficult. As of 2023, 9.7% of Black individuals under age 65 did not have health insurance, compared to 6.5% of White individuals in the same age group. 

These rates can be much higher for people with intersecting identities, such as Black LGBTQIA+ adults. Mental health care without insurance can be prohibitively expensive, especially for members of economically marginalized groups.

Even among those who are insured or can afford out-of-pocket healthcare costs, finding care can still be a challenge. Consider that:

• As of 2022, 47% of people in the US were living in a mental healthcare provider shortage area, meaning that there aren’t enough clinicians (like therapists and psychiatrists) to serve the number of people in that area who need care.
• A 2024 report shares that there are fewer than five active mental health care providers for every 1,000 Medicare and Medicaid enrollees—and 40% of the country is on Medicare or Medicaid.

These barriers can affect people of all racial and ethnic backgrounds, with people of color—including Black men—often being disproportionately affected.

Finally, consider that some individuals of color prefer to meet with a therapist of color who may share or be better able to understand some of their lived experiences—which may be even harder to find in provider shortage areas. Plus, Black professionals, in particular, are already underrepresented in the mental health care field. Despite making up “over 14.4% of the country's population, they represent only 2% of practicing psychiatrists, 4% of psychologists, and 22% of social workers.” Together, all of these factors can make it harder for Black men to find affordable, quality mental health care that meets their needs.

History and present realities of harm in the healthcare system

According to research from 2022, men in general are more likely to receive “judgmental comments, lack of empathy and compassion, delays in service response, and a focus on restraint and sedation” from ambulance staff when seeking care for a mental health crisis. These experiences may be exacerbated by race-based discrimination, which we’ll discuss below.

Also consider the fact that the medical and psychiatric healthcare system has a long history of abusing and exploiting members of the Black community. The effects of this history can linger in many ways, including in the form of mistrust and hesitance to seek care. 

Discrimination and biases on the part of the therapist or other care provider

Race-based discrimination can exacerbate the above inequities. For example, many people of color—including Black men—report having experienced various forms of discrimination in healthcare settings. Studies indicate that “patient-reported discrimination in the health care setting is associated with worse health, lower satisfaction with healthcare and lower utilization of health services.”

What is culturally competent therapy?

Cultural competence “emphasizes the need for health care systems and providers to be aware of, and responsive to, patients’ cultural perspectives and backgrounds.” It can be viewed as a form of patient-centered care, which tends to be a more effective type of care. It typically involves taking into account the person’s experiences and other elements of the context they come from so that they can feel seen, understood, and respected and receive high-quality, effective, tailored support.

Why the availability of culturally competent therapy for Black men is important

If a person doesn't sense that their experiences and culture are seen and respected, they may be less likely to benefit from care or continue receiving it. A 2025 paper emphasized the importance of culturally competent mental health care for Black men in particular. It referenced studies that have indicated the availability of culturally competent Black male therapists “can be transformative, helping to bridge the gap between Black men and mental health services.” It goes on to say that “by offering culturally relevant care and fostering trust, Black male therapists can address deep-seated concerns within the Black community and encourage more men to seek and sustain therapy.”

When should you see a therapist?

Seeking mental health therapy is generally recommended for anyone who is experiencing signs of a mental health condition, like depression, an anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder. In general, mental illness doesn’t resolve without professional treatment of some kind. 

That said, you do not need to be showing specific symptoms of a particular disorder in order to seek and benefit from therapy. Licensed therapists can also provide a safe space where a person can get support with navigating relationship challenges, processing their feelings, or addressing low self-esteem, grief, major life transitions, and other challenges. 

Finding culturally competent mental health services near you

We've discussed several of the reasons why Black men may face barriers to finding high-quality, culturally competent mental health care. However, there are some resources that may be helpful in this regard.

First, you might consider exploring a directory to find Black therapists or culturally competent therapists in general who serve your area. Some offer sliding-scale fees or even free therapy sessions for those who are facing financial barriers. Examples include the following:

• The National Association of Black Counselors
• Black Men Heal
• The Black Male Therapists directory
• Therapy in Color
• National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network

The option of working with a therapist online

Another option to consider is online therapy. With an online therapy platform like BetterHelp, you can be matched with a licensed therapist based on your needs and preferences as outlined in a brief onboarding questionnaire. BetterHelp works with a pool of tens of thousands of therapists around the country, which can increase your chances of matching with someone who is a good fit for you. The platform also allows you to switch therapists at any time for no additional cost until you find the right fit.

You can meet with a BetterHelp therapist from anywhere you have an internet connection, whether you choose to connect via phone, video call, or online chat. That means you can log on to your sessions from home, work, or anywhere else you feel comfortable. Not having to travel to a therapist’s office in person can be helpful for people who are experiencing the effects of mental health stigma.

Does online therapy really work? What the research says

As online therapy has become more popular in recent years, there has been an increase in the number of studies aimed at investigating its effectiveness. There's a growing body of research suggesting that online therapy can be as effective as in-person therapy for treating a variety of mental health challenges. For example, a study from 2021 suggests that online therapy may be “no less efficacious” than in-person therapy for treating anxiety disorders, depression, and PTSD.