As we celebrate Black History Month, it’s essential to shine a light on mental health and substance use within the African American community — not only to recognize the resilience and strength of individuals and families, but also to confront the disparities that persist today. Compelling data shows both the challenges that Black Americans face and the opportunities for change ahead.
Mental health conditions affect a significant portion of the African American community. According to the Office of Minority Health, In 2024, approximately 20.9% of Black or African American adults experienced a mental illness within the last 12 months, a rate slightly lower than the overall U.S. adult population, which stands at 23.4%. While this difference may appear modest, it does not diminish the real and widespread impact mental health challenges have on individuals, families, and communities.
Depression, in particular, affects Black adults at rates comparable to the general population. About 10.1% of Black adults reported experiencing a major depressive episode within the past year. Despite similar prevalence rates, depression in the Black community is often underdiagnosed and undertreated, frequently due to stigma, lack of access to culturally responsive care, and systemic barriers within the healthcare system.
Suicide remains an urgent and growing concern, especially among Black youth and young adults. In 2024, suicide ranked among the leading causes of death for Black Americans between the ages of 15 and 34. Alarmingly, Black high school students were 8% more likely than students nationwide to report having attempted suicide in the past year, underscoring the critical need for early intervention, mental health education, and accessible support services for younger generations.
Despite the prevalence of mental health conditions, significant gaps remain in access to treatment for Black Americans. Black adults are 36% less likely than the overall U.S. population to receive mental health treatment in a given year. In fact, only 14.7% of Black adults reported receiving any mental health care in the past year, compared to 22.9% of adults nationwide. These disparities reflect longstanding inequities in healthcare access, affordability, and provider availability.
Treatment gaps are particularly pronounced for individuals experiencing major depression. Research shows that only 58.4% of Black adults with a major depressive episode received any form of treatment, compared with 71.1% of White adults. This gap highlights how systemic bias, mistrust of the healthcare system, and a shortage of culturally competent providers continue to limit effective care for Black individuals in need.
Studies indicate that Black adults visit emergency departments for mental health and substance use care at significantly higher rates than White or Hispanic peers — often due to lack of preventive or ongoing community-based care.
Understanding these statistics requires recognizing the broader context: systemic inequities, economic barriers, cultural stigma, and historical trauma all shape mental health and substance use outcomes in Black communities. Structural racism — from health insurance disparities to under-representation in the mental health workforce — has long limited access to culturally competent care. Turning data into action means amplifying awareness, supporting culturally responsive services, and advocating for policy change. Together, we can honor Black History Month by not just remembering the past — but by building a more equitable, healthier future for all.
Despite these challenges, meaningful solutions and pathways to healing are available. Community-based mental health programs, faith-led initiatives, culturally responsive providers, and expanded telehealth services have helped reduce barriers to care for many individuals and families. National and local organizations are working to increase representation within the mental health workforce, improve early intervention for youth, and reduce stigma through education and advocacy. When mental health and substance use treatment is delivered with cultural humility, respect, and accessibility in mind, outcomes improve significantly. Continued investment in equitable care, combined with increased awareness and willingness to seek support, offers real hope for closing treatment gaps and building healthier, more resilient communities.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with mental health or substance use, remember — you are not alone. Hickory House Recovery offers evidence-based support with services designed to meet people where they are and design a custom plan to support long-term wellness. Call 800-604-2117 to connect with help and begin your recovery journey today.