Black & Latino communities: addressing mental health needs, social histories, and collective trauma

Most African Americans, Hispanics/Latinx, Native Americans, and Asian Americans have reported experiencing racial discrimination in the form of racial slurs, violence, threats, and harassment. Racial discrimination, racism and violence have also been evident in policing approaches toward minoritized groups that have historically been overrepresented in the criminal justice system.

Discrimination contributes to psychological distress, especially among marginalized youth and racial/ethnic minorities. Historical trauma and the intergenerational and cumulative impact of these social stressors significantly impacts the well-being of Black and Latino communities. In addition, access to treatment is further limited by a lack of culturally responsive providers, financial realities, and stigma about mental health.

Many Black and Latino communities trust and rely on religious leaders to provide services; in fact, many faith-based leaders serve as their primary and only source of mental health guidance. Intersectional and culturally humble approaches to mental health services recognize the importance of cultural values, including collectivistic views and spirituality, which can provide strength-based and traditional means of coping with loss, trauma, and violence.

Community efforts to understand and better serve communities of color through culturally relevant approaches are essential to address structural barriers to services. This conference aims to build bridges between various sectors of Black and Latino communities, including mental health providers, faith-based leaders, law enforcement, and others.