Black Men in Therapy

By Lindsay Parkoo

Recent years have not been kind to us in a lot of ways. This is especially true for the Black community. It turns out racism is bad for our health. From the rise of police brutality to everyday oppression, now is the perfect time to think about your mental health.  

As Black people, we face a lot of hardships that can be incredibly overwhelming. This is because we often forget that our mental health is as important as our physical health. Depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses are more common for us than our white peers. So, we need to take them seriously. However, because of stigmas, expectations, and roadblocks, Black men are not likely to look for counseling when it’s critical.

That’s where New Perspectives Therapeutic Services comes in. 

Nigeria McHellon at New Perspectives Therapeutic Services provides Black men with a variety of therapeutic approaches for their needs. As the Clinical Director and counselor of a Black-owned, woman-owned business, she has experience helping the Black community find counseling nearby. Whether it’s marriage therapy, in-person or online video therapy, Nigeria has the expertise to help you achieve effective therapy.

What Mental Health is for Black Men

Mental health is the condition of our emotional and social well-being. It’s how we feel and think about ourselves as well as how we act with the people around us. Striving for good mental health care means seeking counseling that takes culture, current events, faith, and history into account. It’s about understanding how these themes impact your life and emotional well-being. This way, you can receive support that works for you.

Still, in the Black community, it’s something we don’t think is important to address. As such, there are a lot of things that mentally and physically hold Black men back from getting support. 

Stereotypes Black Men Face When Looking for Therapy

Black men are supposed to be strong. There’s this idea that men aren’t allowed to be vulnerable. This is especially common amongst Black men because they are often seen as strong and masculine. Consequently, Black men often feel shame if they believe they can’t uphold that image. They might also be afraid to open up to others. 

Mental Illness means weakness. A common stigma is that those that suffer from mental illnesses are weak or unstable. Likewise, Black men worry about looking weak to their loved ones and friends. Because of this, trying therapy isn’t an option they consider. 

“Counseling is only for white people.” This stereotype is a very frequent sentiment. The mental health profession has been historically made up of white people as counselors and patients. That might make Black people feel excluded, as if they’re not allowed to take care of their emotional well-being. 

Things That Keep Black Men from Seeking Therapy

Not recognizing that you need help. The first step to receiving help is knowing that you need help in the first place. As a result of the expectations placed on Black men, they aren’t likely to notice when they’re suffering. Black men then are unlikely to talk to someone about it or seek help from a counselor. That, in turn, can cause the problems to grow until they can’t be ignored anymore. 

Lack of mental health resources. Unfortunately, many mental health services are costly in many areas where Black men live. Those services might not even be available in their areas at all. Black men are also in a position where they can’t make time to go because of work or family responsibilities.

Looking for the right therapy. Therapy can be a very personal process. Knowing that it’s important that your therapist is able to meet your needs. That can look like looking for Black counselors or those who specialize in treating the conditions that you have. 

Distrust in the medical community. There’s a long history of Black people being harmed by medical professionals. We have been misdiagnosed, not taken seriously, and exploited for many years. So, this might dissuade them from looking for professional help. The lack of diversity in the healthcare profession also causes problems. 

5 Tips for Black Men Looking For Therapy

1. Recognize that you need support. Being able to realize that you need to talk to someone about your mental health is an important first step. Being aware of yourself will make the journey easier to go through.
2. Talk to someone you trust. Tell a trusted friend or loved one what you’re struggling with. Don’t be afraid to start that conversation and be vulnerable with them. If they care about you, they should take you seriously if you reach out. 
3. Look for therapists that can connect with you. Make sure the therapist you need is able to understand your struggles and background. For Black men, it’s a good idea to look for other Black therapists. Consequently, they are more likely to know what you’re going through; they might be better equipped to support you. 
4. Look for the right kind of therapy. Utilize different options in treatment for your mental health. Video call therapy can be a useful option if you’re busy or live out of the way. The same goes for looking for family counseling nearby.
5. Look for support groups. Making connections with others in your community will help you feel less hopeless or alone. A support group can also help with any anxiety you might have about therapy. Everyone in the group is there for the same reasons as you, and that can help your motivation.

There’s no shame in asking for help. Taking that first step to heal will better strengthen your relationship with yourself and with the people you care about. 

It all starts with seeking the kind of therapy you can connect with, and you can find that connection from New Perspective Therapeutic Services.

When you’re ready to start the healing journey for you and your loved ones, contact us at New Perspectives Therapeutic Service.

Nigeria McHellon, MSW, LCSW

Email me at: nm.newperspectivestherapy@gmail.com

Call or Text me at: (904) 439-6524

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