The Reality: Mental Health Care Has Not Always Been Equitable

For many Black individuals seeking mental health support, trust in the system is hard-earned. Historically, mental health care has been shaped by bias, exclusion, and systemic racism, leading to:

  • Higher misdiagnosis rates of Black individuals compared to white patients.
  • Underrepresentation of Black clinicians in the field.
  • Financial and systemic barriers that limit access to care.

At Well Behavioral Health Affiliated Programs, we acknowledge these disparities and are committed to actively dismantling barriers to care.

The Disparities in Eating Disorder Treatment for Black Individuals

While eating disorders affect people of all racial and ethnic backgrounds, disparities in diagnosis and treatment persist for Black individuals. Research highlights that:

  • Black teenagers are 50% more likely than white teenagers to exhibit bulimic behavior, yet they are significantly less likely to be diagnosed (NEDA).
  • Black adults and adolescents experience binge eating disorder (BED) at rates equal to or higher than white individuals, yet they are less likely to receive treatment (NIH).
  • Healthcare providers are significantly less likely to ask Black individuals about eating disorder symptoms, leading to underdiagnosis and lack of support.

Barriers to Diagnosis & Treatment

Black individuals face unique barriers to care, including:

  • Stereotypes & Misconceptions: The media and medical community often associate eating disorders with white women, leading to misdiagnosis or dismissing symptoms in Black individuals.
  • Lack of Representation: Only 4% of psychologists in the U.S. are Black, which can make it difficult for Black clients to find culturally competent care providers.
  • Medical Racism & Mistrust: Due to historical abuses and ongoing systemic inequalities, many Black individuals distrust medical providers, which can impact treatment-seeking behaviors.

At Well Behavioral Health Affiliated Programs, we actively work to break down these barriers and ensure our approach to care is inclusive, accessible, and culturally competent.

How We’re Taking Action

Providing Culturally Affirming Therapy

  • We ensure our clinicians receive training in racial trauma, intersectionality, and systemic oppression so that clients feel truly seen, understood, and supported.

Expanding Access & Affordability

  • We partner with insurance providers to increase coverage for clients and actively seek funding to reduce financial burdens.

Hiring & Representation Matter

  • Mental health spaces should reflect the diverse identities and lived experiences of the people they serve. We are committed to hiring and uplifting Black mental health professionals to create more representative, healing spaces.

Helping Clients Find the Best Care—Even If It’s Not With Us

  • We know that healing is not one-size-fits-all. If someone doesn’t find the right fit within our program, we are committed to helping them find the best care elsewhere. This means:
    • Expanding our referral network to include providers from diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds.
    • Partnering with BIPOC-led mental health organizations to connect clients with therapists who understand their lived experiences.
    • Ensuring that every person who seeks care with us leaves with a clear next step—whether within our program or with a trusted provider.

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Anti-racism is not a one-time initiative—it’s an ongoing practice. Our team engages in:

  • Regular anti-racism and cultural competency training
  • Listening to feedback from Black clients and clinicians
  • Advocating for policy change to improve mental health equity

Resources & Further Reading

(Because knowledge is power—credit where it’s due!)

  • Mental Health Disparities: African Americans – American Psychiatric Association (Read More)
  • The Impact of Racism on Mental Health – Mental Health America (Read More)
  • Addressing the Mental Health Needs of Black Americans – The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) (Read More)
  • Black Americans and Eating Disorders – National Eating Disorders Association (Read More)
  • Addressing the Lack of Black Mental Health Professionals – Insight Into Diversity – (Read More)
  • Social Barrier to Care for Eating Disorders – Becker, Arrindell, Perloe, Fay, and Strieggel-Moore (Read More)
  • How to be Anti-Racist – Ibram X. Kendi – (Read More)

By centering research, listening to Black mental health professionals, and taking action, we can work toward a more inclusive and equitable mental health care system.

What’s Next?

We know this is just the beginning. Black History Month is a time for reflection, but our commitment to equitable, anti-racist mental health care extends far beyond February.

If you’re looking for mental health support that acknowledges the realities of race, identity, and lived experience, we’re here.

Join the Conversation:

We invite our community to share resources, experiences, and ideas on how mental health care can better serve Black individuals. Reply to us by email or engage with us on social media to continue the conversation.