Awareness of the importance of mental health is just as essential as taking action, according to Lutheran Family and Children’s Services (LFCS).
LFCS joins with health and social service organizations throughout America in recognizing July as National Minority Mental Health.
Over its 31 days, the month highlights the disproportionate burden of mental illness within minority populations, addresses systemic barriers to care, and promotes culturally responsive mental health services.
“While mental health challenges affect all communities, we know that individuals from Black, Hispanic, Asian, and other racial and ethnic minority backgrounds often face unique hurdles in accessing care.”
The month is named in honor of Bebe Moore Campbell, an author, mental health advocate, and co-founder of National Alliance on Mental Illness NAMI.
Moore Campbell played a crucial role in raising awareness and advocating for mental health care for minority communities. National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month emphasizes the need for a collective effort in addressing mental health disparities.
“While mental health challenges affect all communities, we know that individuals from Black, Hispanic, Asian, and other racial and ethnic minority backgrounds often face unique hurdles in accessing care,” said Lindsay Jeffries, director of Behavioral Health at LFCS.
“We are determined to close this gap and ensure everyone has access to quality care, regardless of their background.”
LFCS, one of Missouri’s longest-serving social service agencies, recognizes the significant impact of factors such as discrimination, cultural stigma, and a lack of culturally competent providers, according to Jeffries.
Throughout July, LFCS is encouraging individuals and families to prioritize mental health and advocate for equitable access to care.
The community is invited to join in these efforts by learning more about LFCS’s culturally sensitive mental health services and resources at lfcsmo.org.
Updates are available on social media at #MinorityMentalHealthMonth and #MMHAM.
Jeffries says LFCS licensed therapists “provide trauma-informed, culturally sensitive care, including individual and family counseling, anxiety and depression support, and specialized programs tailored to diverse needs.”
A recent report by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention shows that the healthcare systems can prioritize minority mental health by ensuring mental health services are culturally and linguistically appropriate, screen patients for depression and other mental health conditions–refer patients to accessible mental health services.
National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month also addresses the mental health of children and teens. LFCS is helping aid those efforts in school mental health services, including individual therapy; family therapy; group counseling; crisis intervention; consultation and collaboration; preventative education; and trauma-informed care.
According to a 2023 KFF Survey on Racism, Discrimination, and Health, significant disparities persist in access to mental health care across racial and ethnic groups.
Among adults with any mental illness, 52% of white adults received mental health services, compared to just 39% of Black adults, 36% of Hispanic adults, and 25% of Asian adults.
These findings highlight ongoing inequities in the U.S. mental health care system and underscore the need for targeted efforts to address barriers faced by communities of color.
An Office of Minority Health study shows Asian Americans are less likely to receive mental health treatment than non-Hispanic whites.
MedCity News, KFF data shows those disparities are compounded by the reality that minority groups are less likely to have health insurance, more likely to face high costs of care, and often experience longer wait times if they can even find a provider who understands their background and experiences.
In 2024, LFCS provided counseling services to 10,454 children and their family members across Missouri, delivering over 30,331 service hours.
LFCS has also expanded its services directly into schools in the St. Louis area and Kansas City, reaching young people who might otherwise lack access to care. In addition, LFCS is currently offering free summer counseling and psychiatric services for youth aged 3-19 in St. Louis County, St. Charles County, and Franklin County, ensuring critical support is available while school is out.
For more information about Lutheran Family and Children’s mental health services, visit https://lfcsmo.org/, call 866-326-LFCS, or email help@lfcs.org.