Breaking Barriers: Confronting Health Stigmas in the African American Community Blog Series (Part 2: Mental Health)

UF Health Jacksonville is dedicated to providing the highest-quality care to all patients. In recognition of African American History Month, we are taking a deeper look into how health stigmas impact the African American community. We are committed to addressing challenges that affect access to care as well as proper diagnosis and treatment for all our patients.

This month, we highlight African American health care providers from UF Health Jacksonville to offer unique perspectives and actionable solutions to improve health. We encourage you to read every blog in this series with the intent of sparking meaningful conversations that extend beyond these pages and into our communities.

For our discussion on mental health stigmas we spoke with Chantel Bryant, LMHC, MCAP, ICRC-ADC, and Behavioral Health Therapist for CHaMP, the UF Health Center for Healthy Minds and Practice. Bryant has been a part of UF Health Jacksonville for four years after working for several years in the mental health field elsewhere. She believes checking in on our mental health is just as important as our physical health and should be monitored like any other routine health assessment. Just like we schedule regular physicals, we should prioritize our mental well-being.

What are some barriers to seeking mental health services?

Chantel Bryant: Many people fear seeking mental health services because they are hesitant about talking to someone they don’t know about such a sensitive issue. Another barrier can be socioeconomic status; some people don’t go to therapy because they can’t afford it or their insurance doesn’t fully cover it. They may start it but are not able to continue with copayments.

How do spirituality and family dynamics influence attitudes toward seeking mental health support?

Chantel Bryant: I think there can be pushback from family members who may not be as open to therapy. Sometimes there can be a feeling of judgment, and not a lot of support.

Also, having a better understanding of our family history helps navigate the conversation as well. Knowing if past family members dealt with mental health issues is important because it can create patterns that are passed down throughout generations.

How do we bridge the gap between spirituality and therapy?

Chantel Bryant: There are counselors who specialize in Christian-based or spiritually led counseling for patients who prefer that approach. Having more community-based programming and outreach that shows counselors and faith leaders can work together would be helpful, as would having more community conversations. Another resource would be ensuring more faith leaders become advocates for mental health to help remove the shame that’s often associated with it in the Black community.

How can mental health professionals build trust and create a safe space for African American patients?

Chantel Bryant: I think visibility is important. It’s important to find the therapist that’s the overall right fit for you. People want to be understood and heard. Therapy has to go beyond a ‘textbook’ or ‘scripted’ conversation to making a deeper connection with the client. People can sense when a therapist is genuine in trying to connect. It’s also important to recognize that a person’s historical context affects how trauma is processed.

What can be done to break the overall stigma and encourage open conversations about mental health within the African American community?

Chantel Bryant: We need to acknowledge mental health more as a culture and community so African Americans will be more open to seeking help. The mentality that you can just figure it out and roll with it is not working. We shouldn’t minimize what we’ve gone through. I do think it can be hard to be vulnerable given our historical and cultural background.

I think for African Americans who have gone to therapy, they’re going to be the best advocates to encourage others like them to go to therapy. They’re able to say this worked for me, it changed my life and it can work for you too. Having a strong support system around you is important.