02/17/2026
Black History Month invites reflection, on the past and on the work that remains.
Representation in mental health matters because lived experience, cultural understanding, and trust are essential to effective care. Historically, Black communities have faced systemic barriers, bias, and misdiagnosis within mental health systems. Black mental health professionals and advocates challenged these inequities through treatment approaches and advocacy efforts.
Today, increasing Black representation in mental health continues to be vital for reducing disparities, improving outcomes, and ensuring care is affirming and culturally responsive.