Barriers and Facilitators of Mental Health Services for African-American College Students: A Pilot Study

Abstract

African-American/Black college students are less likely to utilize mental health services, when compared to other races or ethnicities in the United States. It must be noted that in general, Black college students have unique experiences that affect their mental health. However, there is paucity of published research and information in the literature on the utilization of mental health services by this population of college students. This pilot study was conducted to understand and appreciate the shared barriers and facilitators that affect Black students in seeking and utilizing mental health services on campus. Primary data collection involved two qualitative focus group discussions with 20 self-identified Black/African-American undergraduate students at a university in southern California. Semi-structured interviews were administered to two focus groups. The participants were asked questions that assessed their mental health knowledge, attitudes and beliefs, and personal experiences in accessing and utilizing mental health services on campus. Results from the study identified four common themes regarding barriers and facilitators to accessing and utilizing mental health services: racism/discrimination, lack of Black mental health counselors, cultural perceptions of mental health, and stigmatization. There were no facilitators identified in utilizing mental health services on campus. The results of the study suggest a greater need to employ more Black/African-American mental healthcare providers who are counselors/psychologists. Additionally, there is need to explore the necessity for alternative mental health treatments for Black students (e.g., group discussions, or group therapy, etc.), train faculty members and campus staff on cultural competencies to minimize potential biases and discrimination, and promote diversity, equity, and inclusiveness through mental health outreach for Black students. It is hoped that these findings may play a significant role in increasing the accessibility and utilization of mental health services by Black students.