James Donaldson on Mental Health - COMMENTARY: Mental Health Crisis Among Black Men — A Growing Concern

Black provider shortage While research indicates that having a caregiver of the same gender and race is beneficial, Black practitioners are still an extreme minority in all segments of the mental health profession.

Only 4% of psychologists are Black , and just 2% of psychiatrists, who are medical doctors, and a scant 11% of licensed professional counselors are Black.

But research has shown that peer-based support groups can be effective in communities plagued by a lack of access to mental health professionals, as well as mistrust of clinical environments.

Organizations such as JED have launched partnerships with fraternal organizations to reverse these trends.

Last month, JED announced it is working with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

as part of The JED Greek-Letter Organizations (GLO) programs .

“The Jed Foundation recognizes that fraternities and sororities are powerful communities for connection, leadership, and identity development,” Dr.

ShirDonna Lawrence, senior manager of JED GLO, said in a statement.

“This makes them essential partners in advancing student mental health and well-being on and off campus.” It’s also a mutually beneficial relationship, which “strengthens Alpha’s enduring mission and advances JED’s work in culturally responsive, community-centered mental health promotion,” Lawrence said.