Disparities in Mental Health Service Utilization Among Black Youth and Girls

Recent research published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal highlights significant disparities in mental health service usage among adolescents. The study reveals that Black adolescents, particularly Black girls, are less likely to access mental health services compared to their white peers. This gap becomes more pronounced as distress levels increase, with Black girls showing consistently lower utilization rates. Interestingly, Black boys with low distress levels tend to use services more than their white counterparts; however, as their distress escalates to moderate levels, their likelihood of seeking help diminishes markedly.

The study analyzed data from 12,368 students in grades 7 to 12 across various Ontario school boards, including both English and French-speaking schools within the public and Catholic systems. The findings indicate that Black females remain underrepresented in mental health care access across different distress levels, contributing to concerns about delayed or crisis-driven intervention. Additionally, Black males are often perceived as older and more threatening, leading to punitive responses rather than supportive mental health care when behavioral or psychological issues arise.

Experts emphasize that structural barriers such as cultural stigma, racism, lack of culturally competent providers, and inaccessible services hinder Black adolescents from seeking help. These factors can result in misdiagnoses, mistrust, and reluctance to engage with mental health systems. The authors advocate for policies that address these disparities by implementing culturally responsive, gender-specific strategies, and tackling racism within mental health services. They stress the importance of intersectional approaches to ensure equitable access and support for Black youth facing mental health challenges.

This research underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to close the mental health service gap among Black adolescents, fostering an inclusive environment that promotes early intervention and ongoing support for all youth. For more details, visit source.