Bridging the Mental Health Care Gap for Black Children Requires a Focus on Racial Equity and Access

This article highlights the need to address the social determinants connected to the higher levels of stress and negative mental health that Black children experience in comparison to their peers in other racial and ethnic groups. A significant way in which these determinants influence health outcomes of Black children and youth is the disparity of their access to mental health services and diagnoses. The authors prescribe an equity-focused approach to address specific mental health and wellness needs of Black children and youth, including prevention and treatment efforts grounded in an understanding of how racism and racial trauma affect mental health and wellness in Black communities.