Organizational and Practitioner Challenges to Black Youth Accessing Mental Health Care in Canada: Problems and Solutions

Abstract

This article aims to elucidate the barriers to mental health care for Black youth by providing the perspectives of youth, caregivers, and service providers. Given the significance of service provision, analysis is focused on accessing the mental health care system at the organizational and practitioner levels. The present study explored the barriers and facilitators to mental health care for Black children and youth in Canada. The results of this article draw from a larger study that aimed to explore the barriers and facilitators to mental health care for Black children and youth in Canada. A reflexive thematic analysis was used to identify themes, which were analysed through a critical race theory lens. Participants noted numerous challenges related to accessing care, many of which they attributed to anti-Black racism (ABR). At the practitioner level, stigma and racism from providers, a lack of cultural awareness, and non-Black workers unable to assist Black youth were major themes. At the organizational level, three core themes emerged: Organizations not committing to cultural responsiveness, a lack of Black professionals, and a lack of agencies specifically for Black youth. To increase access to care, organizations must address ABR by making actionable commitments to anti-racist efforts, increasing culturally responsive programming, and addressing ABR for Black employees. Practitioners need to take a flexible, individualised care approach that rejects assumptions and stereotypes and allows clients to lead with their experiences. This study is among the first to explore ABR and access to mental health care for Black youth in Canada.