Why representation matters: The importance of Black men in behavioral health

The contributions of Black Americans in the behavioral health workforce are profound, yet the field is facing a growing crisis – particularly in underserved communities across Illinois. With a critical shortage of behavioral health professionals, the need for diverse representation has never been more urgent.

Among the most underrepresented are Black men, who make up only 2-4% of the community behavioral health workforce. This gap is especially concerning as the demand for mental health services continues to rise, highlighting a national shortage of Black male therapists. So, why does this disparity persist, and what steps can be taken to bridge the gap?

The need for Black men in behavioral health

The presence of Black male professionals in behavioral health is not just valuable – it’s essential, particularly in underserved urban communities. Many clinicians are hesitant or unequipped to address the unique cultural and community dynamics, which can lead to gaps in care. Increasing the representation of Black men in behavioral health professions addresses these gaps by:

• Providing culturally competent care. Black male clinicians create spaces where Black men feel heard, seen and respected. Culturally competent care fosters trust, encourages engagement and acknowledges the complex realities of racism, discrimination and trauma in mental health treatment.

• Improving treatment outcomes. Greater representation in the behavioral health workforce leads to increased access to care for Black men and their communities, ensuring more equitable treatment and improved success rates in therapy and other interventions.

• Reducing stigma. The presence of more Black men in behavioral health helps dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health struggles, making it easier for Black men to seek the help they need without fear of judgment.

For example, mental health programs on Chicago’s South and West sides, including GRO Community and Habilitative Systems, Inc., report significantly lower recidivism rates among clients working with Black male clinicians compared to the state average. Additionally, Black male clients working with Black male behavioral health professionals show improved outcomes in areas such as school attendance, family attachment, housing stability and employment.

Barriers to entering the behavioral health workforce

Despite the clear need for Black men in the mental health field, several barriers continue to hinder their participation. According to a recent study, “Theoretical Model of Motivations and Barriers for Black Men in Mental Health Careers” by Aaron Mallory, LCSW, Founder and CEO of GRO Community in Chicago, these barriers include:

• Financial and economic challenges. The high cost of education and relatively low earning potential in the behavioral health field deter many prospective Black male professionals. Solutions such as loan forgiveness programs, scholarships, and improved pay are needed to attract and retain more Black men in the field.

• Cultural and social stigmas. Traditional cultural views about mental health and masculinity often discourage Black men from pursuing careers in the field. These societal perceptions reinforce the stigma around mental health, which limits the number of Black males who seek to enter the profession. Community education is essential to shift these narratives and make mental health discussions more accessible.

• Perceptions of masculinity. The mental health profession is often perceived as “feminine,” reinforcing gender stereotypes that discourage men from entering caregiving roles. This perception creates additional barriers for Black men, who may feel the pressure to conform to traditional ideals of masculinity. Changing the dominant narratives around masculinity to include emotional and nurturing roles is crucial for attracting more Black men to the field.

• Lack of representation and mentorship. The absence of visible Black male mentors in behavioral health leaves many aspiring professionals without guidance or role models. A more inclusive, supportive environment can be fostered by expanding mentorship programs and highlighting the achievements of Black men in the field.

Why Black men choose mental health careers

Mallory’s research, which involved gathering feedback from Black men who work in the behavioral health field, helped to identify four key themes to understanding why Black men do pursue careers in mental health.

1. Personal growth and fulfillment. Experience and emotions motivate Black men to pursue these careers because they align with their sense of vision, desire to serve and personal values. Many participants in Mallory’s research shared how their lived experiences, including overcoming adversity and addressing their own mental health challenges, inspired them. This theme aligns with vocational theories that emphasize self-realization and the importance of aligning one’s work with personal identity and values.

2. Educational and professional development. The role of formal education and advanced training is important in equipping Black men with the knowledge and skills to address mental health disparities effectively. Participants emphasized how their academic journeys provided foundational tools for professional success. This theme underscores how education serves as a catalyst for both personal growth and community impact.

3. Cultural and social commitment. Cultural relatability and understanding social contexts often influence Black men’s decisions to enter the mental health field. Participants frequently highlighted the need for mental health practitioners who share their cultural background, emphasizing how it fosters trust and effective communication with clients. Others emphasized the importance of addressing trauma within Black communities. This theme underscores the critical role of cultural competence in mental health care.

4. Mentorship and guidance. Many participants referred to mentors, instructors and family members as an important factor in influencing their choice to enter the field. Mentors offer direction, inspiration and useful assistance, acting as crucial catalysts that allowed participants to get past structural obstacles and follow their goals. This shows the importance of relational support systems that assist career growth among the disadvantaged as well as the role of mentoring in developing oneself and addressing representation gaps in the hopes of nurturing future generations of Black male therapists. Institutional efforts aimed at enhancing the representation of minorities by formalizing mentorship programs might strengthen the diversity of the sector.

WAM: A pathway for Black men in behavioral health

The We Are Men (WAM) program at the University of Illinois Chicago’s Jane Addams College of Social Work addresses the need for Black male representation in behavioral health and social work. Since its inception in 2020, the program has achieved an impressive 98% graduation rate. Twenty-two WAM scholars have earned their Master of Social Work (MSW) degrees, with several continuing their education in PhD programs and many others working in Illinois’ community behavioral health and child welfare systems.

The program provides a much-needed pipeline for Black men to pursue advanced degrees and careers in behavioral health, helping to bridge the representation gap in a critical sector.

Addressing the shortage of Black men in behavioral health is not just a workforce issue – it is a public health imperative. The WAM program at UIC is one example of a proven, scalable solution to recruiting, supporting and graduating Black men into mental health careers. However, more systemic efforts are needed, including expanding financial support (scholarships, loan forgiveness, competitive wages), challenging cultural stigmas and redefining masculinity, and strengthening mentorship and professional networks

By addressing these barriers and investing in solutions, we can build a more inclusive, effective and representative behavioral health workforce—one that is truly fair to our clients and meets the needs of all communities.