Important study focuses on improving access to mental health services among Black youth in Hamilton

BY PAUL JUNOR

The release of findings from the important study entitled Improving Access to Mental Health Services Among Black Youth in Hamilton, Ontario will no doubt address a significant gap in the literature with respect to the mental health and well-being of BlackYouth.

The study was led by Dr. Ingrid Waldron (Professor of History, Faculty of Humanities, McMaster University) who along with a team of researchers, youth leaders and advisory committee members were able to obtain significant findings that were relevant to mental health care organizations not just Hamilton, but other cities where Black youth live. The authors of the study were: Ingrid Waldron, Patricial Ogba, David Green, Olusola Olasupo, Sarah Adjekum and Raika Bourmand.

The goal of the study was to improve the mental health and well-being of Black youth in Hamilton, as well as their access to mental health services and other supports by using the study day to inform mental health policy, services and programs in Hamilton.

The main research question was, What issues need to be considered in improving Black youth’s access to mental health services in Hamilton, Ontario? The objectives of the study were:

• To identify if and how discrimination impacts them mental health of Black youth in Hamilton
• To examine Black youth’s perceptions and beliefs about mental health services and help-seeking
• To learn about Black youth’s experiences accessing mental health services and other mental health initiatives
• To explore the factors that need to be considered in improving Black youths’ access to mental health services and other mental health initiatives

There were four additional research questions which include:

• How do perceptions that Black youth hold about mental illness influence their help-seeking?
• How have: race, culture, citizenship, status, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status and disability impacted Black youth’s mental well-being?
• What personal, social, and economic factors shape Black youth’s experiences accessing mental health services in Hamilton?
• What are Black youth’s experiences accessing these services?

The sample analyzed was composed of 48 Black youth who live in the Hamilton area. They were diverse with respect to culture, citizenship, status, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability and socioeconomic status. They were recruited through Youth Engagement Leads outreach efforts in collaboration with community–based organizations that serve Blacks as well as through referrals from leaders and others in the Hamilton area.

Some of the key findings of the study relate to the following:

• Navigating mental health and other services in Hamilton
• Participant highlighted the need to normalize seeking therapy, eliminate barriers, and provide culturally sensitive and inclusive services
• Reflection on services outside of Hamilton
• Positive experiences with culturally similar healthcare providers were noted, but finding such providers was challenging
• Making sense of mental health service
• Discrimination contributes to stress, anxiety, and feelings of helplessness and hopelessness
• Experiences dealing with mental health in Hamilton
• Shame, lack of access to services, and feeling unwelcome were significant barriers
• constructing experiences with mental health
• Being Black can lead to low self-esteem and heartbreak due to societal attitudes

The following were two conclusions from the study:

• Multifaceted approach needed: Addressing systemic barrier and improving cultural competency is essential
• Inclusive mental health care: Hamilton must create a more inclusive and efficient health care system to support Black youth effectively, ensuring they receive timely and culturally sensitive care.

Some of the recommendations for improving access to mental health services among Black youth in Hamilton include:

• Increased awareness and education to foster openness, empowerment, and stigmatization
• Enhance service accessibility and affordability
• Community-based and culturally competent services
• Diverse and trained service providers
• Effective communications and outreach
• Stigma reduction and cultural engagement

The following are two specific Calls to Action:

• Immediate reforms: Implement targeted interventions and comprehensive reforms based on research data to address the mental health needs of Black youth
• Community engagement: Engage with Black youth and their families to understand their needs and create solutions

Anyone interested in learning about this study can access it from the McMaster University website:www.mcmaster.ca.