The need for Black representation in the mental health field

(The Dallas Examiner) – Black adults made an average of 97 visits for every 1,000 visits to emergency rooms for mental health issues – much higher than White adults at 54 visits and Hispanic adults at 36 visits, according to a 2023 study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The disparity has alarmed mental health professionals, especially considering that as few as 1 in 3 Black adults said they have received mental health treatment. The study has brough attention to what has prevented the Black community from seeking more assistance. It has been suggested that the answer may lie in a lack of representation in the places where vulnerability is necessary. Related Stories Amber Williams is a third-year clinician trainee through the University of North Texas’ doctoral psychology program. She will soon join the scarce number of Black mental health professionals in the state of Texas, recognizing the need for sustained support throughout training programs. “It’s a whole pipeline,” Williams said. “It’s not just about people applying to these programs but maintaining them as well.” African Americans make up 3.5 million of Texas’ 31 million residents, and yet the representation of Black mental health professionals significantly lags....