02/12/2026
Earlier this week, Forest Counseling highlighted some pioneers in Mental Health treatment. We also wanted to highlight some mental health issues that are specific to Black youth.
Awareness of these issues is important for those who care for youth in order to be aware of the implications bias can have in mental health treatment. While these issues may be difficult to acknowledge, there are also positive actions that can be taken to counteract these negative impacts.
Some positive actions include: encouraging and supporting people of color to become therapists, psychiatrists, and school counselors, as well as training current professionals in race-based trauma. Having trainings to combat implicit bias. Sharing positive portrayals of Black people in media and buying dolls/toys with dark skin. Educating children about the history of racism, slavery, the Civil Rights Movements, and other racial issues.
Source: https://www.fraser.org/resources/blog/black-youth-face-unique-mental-health-challenges
