Skip to content
July marks Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to recognize the unique mental health challenges faced by communities of color and to renew our commitment to addressing them. Established in 2008, the observance honors Bebe Moore Campbell, a celebrated author and mental health advocate who worked to break down stigma and expand access to care. She believed healing begins with open dialogue and support that reflects the realities of diverse communities.
While mental health affects people from all walks of life, not everyone has equal access to care or treatment that respects their cultural background. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), only about one in three Black adults who need mental health care receive it. Reasons include lack of access to culturally competent providers, concerns about discrimination, and persistent stigma within and outside the community.
This month serves as a reminder to spotlight these challenges and work toward better awareness, more responsive care, and stronger community support for all. As Dr. Thema Bryant, President of the American Psychological Association, reminds us: “Healing is not a luxury, it’s a necessity.” Her work underscores the importance of understanding mental health in the broader context of lived experience, cultural identity, and generational trauma.
Breaking the Stigma: What We Can All Do
Here’s how we can collectively build awareness and create a more supportive environment:
- Talk openly about mental health. Normalize conversations around emotional well-being, therapy, and coping strategies.
- Educate yourself and others. Learn about the historical and cultural contexts that shape mental health experiences in minority communities.
- Encourage care that reflects different backgrounds and experiences. It’s important to have mental health professionals from a variety of walks of life and to offer support that respects people’s unique cultures and identities.
- Encourage help-seeking behavior. Remind others (and yourself) that seeking support is a sign of strength—not weakness.
As we recognize Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s important to remember that seeking support is a sign of strength—and that everyone deserves access to care that respects who they are. Through the Assistance Program, you have access to free, confidential counseling sessions and can connect with a provider who understands your unique needs and preferences. If something is weighing on you, don’t wait. Reach out today for care that’s personalized, confidential, and here when you need it.
