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Why Are BIPOC Communities Underserved in Mental Health Care? Here’s What We Can Do About It
Each July, Minority Mental Health Awareness Month shines a light on the barriers BIPOC communities face, and the innovative treatments now available to help bridge the gap.
Every July, the mental health community pauses to recognize something that often goes unspoken: the mental health needs of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) remain among the most underserved in the United States. Known as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, named for the acclaimed author and advocate who dedicated her life to illuminating mental health struggles in communities of color, this month is both a celebration of resilience and a call to action.
At Greenbrook Mental Wellness Centers, we believe that healing is for everyone. This month, we want to honor the BIPOC community by raising awareness, confronting uncomfortable truths, and sharing the innovative, accessible treatment options that may help bridge the care gap.
The Reality Behind the Numbers
According to a 2023 KFF survey, while roughly half of White adults in fair or poor mental health received treatment in the past three years, only 39% of Black adults and 36% of Hispanic adults did the same.1 In 2022, among adults with any mental illness, Hispanic (40%), Black (38%), and Asian (36%) adults were significantly less likely than White adults (56%) to receive mental health services.2
Perhaps most striking: people who identify as two or more races are the most likely of any group to report experiencing a mental illness in the past year — at 25% — yet continue to face some of the highest barriers to culturally competent care.3
These aren't just statistics. They represent real people — neighbors, parents, coworkers, friends — who are suffering in silence.
Why the Gap Exists
The barriers to mental health care in BIPOC communities are layered and systemic. They include:
- Historical mistrust of the medical system, rooted in documented instances of medical exploitation and discrimination
- Stigma within communities, where mental health struggles may be perceived as personal weakness or a lack of faith
- Lack of culturally responsive care, with too few providers who reflect or deeply understand the cultural backgrounds of BIPOC patients
- Financial and insurance barriers, compounding access challenges
- Underdiagnosis, driven by a lack of culturally sensitive screening tools 2
According to the American Psychological Association, mental illness among BIPOC communities is often more persistent. It leads to a disproportionately high burden of disability — not because these communities are more vulnerable by nature, but because sustained, appropriate care is harder to access.4
Hope is Real — And Treatment Has Evolved
One of the most important messages we want to share this month is this: antidepressants and talk therapy aren’t the only options for depression. NeuroStar TMS and SPRAVATO® are two effective treatment options for those with treatment-resistant depression.
NeuroStar TMS Therapy (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) is an FDA-cleared, non-invasive treatment for depression that uses focused magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain associated with mood regulation. Unlike antidepressants, TMS does not carry the same common drug-related side effects — such as weight gain, gastrointestinal disruption, and sleep interference. Sessions are typically less than 20 minutes, and patients can drive themselves to and from appointments and return to their daily routines immediately afterward.
SPRAVATO® (esketamine) is an FDA-approved nasal spray for adults with treatment-resistant depression or major depressive disorder with suicidal thoughts. It represents a breakthrough for patients who haven't responded to traditional antidepressants.
For BIPOC individuals who have experienced side effects from medications, distrust of pharmaceutical treatments, or who simply haven't found relief through traditional therapy, these options offer a meaningful new path forward.
What Minority Mental Health Month Means to Us
Greenbrook was built on the belief that no one should have to struggle in silence through their depression. We also know that the barriers between BIPOC communities and depression treatment are real, and our responsibility is to do our part to lower them.
This July, we encourage everyone to:
- Talk openly about mental health with family and community members
- Challenge stigma by treating mental wellness with the same urgency as physical health
- Explore coverage — many patients are surprised to find TMS and SPRAVATO® are covered by their insurance plan
- Reach out for a no-cost consultation to learn whether advanced depression treatment is right for you
Mental health care is not a luxury. It is not a sign of weakness. It is a fundamental part of living fully, and every person deserves access to it.
If you or someone you love is struggling with depression, Greenbrook is here. Our team is ready to answer your questions, verify your coverage, and walk you through every step of the journey. Our mission is your remission from depression.
Call us at (855) 940-4867 or schedule a no-cost consultation online with a knowledgeable team member.
References
- KFF. (2023). Mental Health Care Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs).
- Ndugga, N., et al. (2024). Addressing Racial & Ethnic Disparities in Mental Health. KFF.
- Mental Health America. (2024). BIPOC Mental Health Month.
- American Psychological Association (APA). Disparities in Mental Health Treatment.
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