Elise Gaines
In Nebraska, Black mental health professionals remain underrepresented. Many black men in Omaha seek black therapists who look like them not for preference but out of trust. Some therapists say that visibility is the difference between silence and support.
Conversations around mental health are becoming more common nationwide. However, local therapists say that the stigma still lingers in Black households, especially for men. But as more Black male professionals enter the field, they’re hoping to shift perceptions and assumptions to make therapy more accessible in Omaha.
LIMP Payton Hogan says that young black boys are often forced to choose careers with the most black representation like basketball, rapping, etc. Hogan goes on to explain, “The first time that somebody has a black teacher typically isn’t until later on in life. Probably like middle school or high school. That’s a problem.” Early exposure to representation reflects on early learning years forming a prejudice perception. According to the American Psychological Association, black therapists make up 5% of therapists nationwide.
Within black households, black men often are forced to take on the provider role. For generations, black men have held onto this role with pride, but at what cost? Mental health. The importance of providing for families is increased putting mental health lower. However, it’s not only the burden of providing, but the burden of confronting feelings and emotions.
LIMP, LMFT, Kyle Spears says “ What we run from runs us.” Spears says that a lot of words that young black men don’t know how to put into words show up in their relationships and how they treat people. Ultimately, not knowing how to deal with unknown emotions.
While the lack of representation for black men in therapy is slowly making it’s way into public eye, Spears and Hogan have both seen an increase in young black men seeking therapy. Spears says social media plays a big role positively and negatively. “Social media has been doing a good job of creating different buzzwords around mental health, around therapy, around these different things, but it’s a blessing and a curse because some things are idealized.” He goes on to mention a lot of mental health disorders that people often misdiagnose themselves with life, bipolar or depression disorders. Despite that, social media has pushed a narrative that therapy is not something to be afraid of or that will be a negative impact.
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