Reviving Roots Wellness is a Minneapolis-based mental health hub committed to fostering safe spaces for the local Black community to seek healing. The “Black in America” support group was created in light of the recent election and upcoming changes in leadership.
Every Saturday – 10 a.m.-noon – through Feb. 22nd, community members are invited to reflect on racial experiences, find support, and gain tools to manage stress and uncertainty.
Need for Black mental health support groups
Mental health is an essential component of overall well-being, yet it remains one of the most overlooked and stigmatized aspects of healthcare, particularly within the Black community. As Black individuals often face unique challenges, such as systemic racism, cultural stigma, and socioeconomic disparities, the need for mental health support groups that are specifically designed for them has never been more pressing. These spaces can provide a sense of belonging, promote healing, and create a culture of mental health care that is accessible, affirming, and tailored to the needs of Black individuals.
Importance of culturally competent care
Black individuals, particularly those in communities facing economic hardships or living with chronic stress from racial discrimination, are often reluctant to seek mental health care due to a lack of trust in mainstream healthcare systems. Historical abuses and disparities in treatment—ranging from the forced sterilization of Black women to the infamous Tuskegee syphilis study—have contributed to a lingering mistrust of medical institutions.
Moreover, Black people are often underrepresented in mental health fields, which leads to a lack of culturally competent care. Therapy and counseling techniques that may work well for one group may not necessarily resonate with another, especially when cultural nuances are not taken into account. A culturally sensitive approach to mental health care ensures that practitioners understand the unique challenges faced by Black individuals and offer strategies that are both relevant and respectful of their lived experiences.
Support groups, specifically designed for Black people, offer a vital alternative to traditional therapy. These groups create a safe space where individuals can speak openly about their struggles and triumphs in a way that is affirming of their identities. Whether the issue is dealing with microaggressions at work, navigating racial trauma, or simply coping with the pressures of daily life, these groups provide a sense of community and solidarity that is crucial to healing.
Addressing impact of racial trauma
Racial trauma — the emotional and psychological toll of experiencing or witnessing racism — is a growing area of concern in the mental health field. Research has shown that individuals who experience frequent exposure to racism are more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health challenges.
For Black people, racial trauma can manifest in various ways, from overt acts of racism to the subtler, more insidious forms of microaggressions and cultural invalidation. In many cases, Black people carry the emotional weight of these experiences silently, often out of fear of being misunderstood or dismissed by others who do not share their experiences.
Mental health support groups dedicated to Black individuals can provide a platform for addressing racial trauma in a collective and supportive way. These groups allow participants to share their stories, receive validation, and process their emotions in a safe environment. By providing a space for healing, these groups help individuals release the burden of racial trauma and begin to move toward emotional and psychological resilience.
Building trust, normalizing mental health care
Another critical reason for the need for Black mental health support groups is the importance of trust. A lack of trust in traditional mental health systems, often coupled with the stigma surrounding mental health issues within Black communities, can make seeking professional help seem intimidating or even impossible for some. According to studies, Black people are less likely to seek out mental health services compared to other groups, largely due to cultural perceptions of mental illness and a historical lack of representation in mental health professions.
Support groups led by Black therapists or mental health professionals who share similar cultural backgrounds and experiences may help bridge this gap. These groups not only help normalize the conversation around mental health but also contribute to reducing the stigma associated with it. As more Black people access mental health support in these safe, culturally relevant spaces, they are more likely to seek help when they need it, thus improving overall mental health outcomes.
Strengthening community and advocacy
Mental health support groups do more than just provide therapy — they also serve as platforms for advocacy and community-building. In these groups, participants are encouraged to not only focus on their own healing but also to become advocates for broader change. Through shared experiences, group members often develop a greater understanding of the structural issues affecting their mental health, such as inequality in education, housing, employment, and health care.
Support groups for Black mental health can also help combat the isolation that many individuals experience due to their race. These groups bring together people with similar experiences, allowing them to form bonds that extend beyond the group setting. This sense of community helps reduce feelings of isolation, enhances social support networks, and contributes to a collective sense of strength and resilience.
A step toward healing
As the conversation around mental health continues to evolve, it is crucial that the needs of marginalized communities — especially Black individuals — are addressed in meaningful and impactful ways. Mental health support groups tailored to Black people play a critical role in filling the gaps left by traditional health care systems. They offer spaces for healing, validation, and community while addressing the unique mental health challenges faced by Black individuals.
By fostering a culture of mental health care that is both inclusive and culturally competent, we can ensure that Black individuals receive the support they need to thrive. The need for Black mental health support groups is not just a reflection of individual suffering; it is a call to action for a more equitable and compassionate healthcare system that prioritizes the mental and emotional well-being of all people.