Research on Mental Health in Black Adolescents

A study published in Social Work in Mental Health looked at mental health in Black teenagers. It compared those who were getting treatment to those who were not.

Researchers wanted to understand the differences in mental health symptoms between these two groups and figure out what might lead some teens to receive care while others do not. The goal was to use this information to improve mental health support for Black adolescents so we can better meet their needs.

Based on the results, many Black teens, whether in treatment or not, faced serious mental health challenges. Many had experienced trauma, struggled with depression, had thoughts of suicide, or used substances.

Shockingly, nearly 1 in 4 teens who weren’t in treatment had symptoms of an anxiety disorder, even though they hadn’t been diagnosed.

This study helps us see that mental health care isn’t reaching all Black teens who may benefit from it.

Understanding the Research 

The study included 154 Black teenagers from Philadelphia, all between the ages of 14 and 17. 72 teens were in the treatment group and 82 teens were in the group that was not receiving treatment. Researchers found them in mental health clinics, schools, parks, and community centers.

Teens in the mental health treatment group had to be in treatment for at least one month. Those who had serious mental health problems, such as psychosis or suicidal thoughts that needed immediate help, were not included in the study.

Each teen answered a survey about their age, family, and mental health history. Then, they had a one-on-one interview with a trained mental health professional. The interview included questions about their feelings, past experiences, and behaviors.

These were the results of the study:

• More than half (53%) of the teens in the study were not getting mental health care. However, nearly one in three had a mental health disorder. This is important because the study took place in Philadelphia, a city with many mental health services.
• The mental health treatment (MHT) group had more mental health disorders, like PTSD and substance use disorder, and higher suicide risk. However, the out of treatment (OT) group also had high rates of suicide risk, substance use, and depression.
• Surprisingly, panic disorder symptoms were more common in the OT group than in the MHT group.
• Another important finding was that more teens in the MHT group had a family member who had mental health care before. We don’t know exactly why, but this might mean that mental health problems can run in families or be caused by shared stress at home, or that there is less stigma about seeking mental health care in families that have previously received it.

Practical Strategies for Parents and Caregivers

How can you support your teen who may be struggling with their mental health — especially if they haven’t been diagnosed or don’t feel comfortable seeking help? Here are three things you can do:

Talk openly about mental health

Many teens struggle in silence because they don’t feel comfortable discussing their emotions. You can start conversations about mental health early and normalize it just like physical health.

Try asking open-ended questions like, “How have you been feeling lately?” or “What’s been on your mind?” Let your teen know that emotions, even big ones, are part of life and that it’s okay to ask for help when needed.

Pay attention to signs of mental health struggles

This study found that many Black teens in the OT group had symptoms of anxiety, depression, or PTSD without a diagnosis. Therefore, look for changes in your teen’s behavior, such as withdrawal from friends and family, loss of interest in hobbies, changes in sleep or appetite, or increased irritability.

If you notice these signs, be sure to provide support. You can also check out our free mental health screening tools to help identify concerns and take the next steps.

Advocate for mental health in schools and communities

Since many Black teens may not seek formal treatment, bring mental health support to spaces where they already spend time — such as schools, recreation centers, and churches.

Parents and teachers can collaborate by sharing mental health resources during parent-teacher meetings or introducing mindfulness activities in classrooms.

The researchers are also saying that since many teens who need mental health help aren’t getting it, we need better ways to connect with families and offer support in places like schools and community centers.

Want more tools to support teen mental health? Check out our full collection of mental health handouts and worksheets.