HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) – July is recognized as National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.
According to the FDA, in 2020, fewer than one in every two African American adults got care for mental health, and it is due to many barriers, including stigmas and lack of health insurance.
“People of color have not been treated the best when it comes to [healthcare] overall- whether it’s medical care or psychological care- and there is a lack of trust [in] individuals who provide those services,” said Tempest Anderson, owner of Empowerment Counseling and Coaching in Harrisonburg.
Anderson, a licensed mental health counselor, also said the lack of representation in mental healthcare contributes to the discrepancies in minorities receiving treatment.
“I became more passionate about helping those in my community -to [be] the representation of someone who has had similar lived and cultural experiences,” Anderson said.
Anderson said in certain cultures, mental health is not talked about or encouraged, causing some to suppress their feelings as opposed to their counterparts. In addition, some may also mention financial barriers when seeking mental healthcare.
“No access to insurance or paying out of pocket limits their access to receiving the services they need,” Anderson said.
Anderson said alternatives for non-insured clients can be found at your local community services board and other state-funded programs.
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