Exploring Black/African Appalachians’ Attitudes on Rural Mental Health Care
Abstract
Background: The national suicide rate for Black Americans increased by 58% from 2011 to 2021. Similarly, suicide rates are higher for individuals in rural areas. Lack of access to mental health care (MHC) is a primary contributor to rising rates for both populations. This trend can be observed in Appalachia, a region often characterized by greater stigma around MHC, feelings of isolation and hopelessness, and lower education rates compared to metropolitan areas. Aim: This study examined Black and African Appalachians’ access to MHC and attitudes about using MHC. Methods: We employed a community engaged approach by partnering with the Northeast Tennessee Association of Black Social Workers to recruit adult (i.e. aged 18 and older), Black and African residents (n = 37) of Washington County, TN. We measured perceived medical discrimination, perceived stigma, preference for a Black counselor, and important counselor qualities using a questionnaire hosted on Qualtrics. We utilized Reflexive Thematic Analysis to code qualitative response data, and descriptives of the quantitative data were created using SPSS. Results: Most participants have experienced discrimination in a healthcare setting, believe they would be stigmatized for seeking MHC, and prefer or to see a counselor of their racial/ethnic background. Participants reported that accessibility, counselor identity, cultural competence, experience, and positive regard for clients are most important when choosing a counselor or therapist. Lastly, participants listed their primary reasons for not seeking MHC. Conclusion: Black and African Appalachians encounter distinct barriers to MHC at the intersection of their rural context and racialized identity. Partnering with trusted community figures to share mental health education can help destigmatize MHC. Having Black clinicians at mental health clinics may encourage Black/African clients to use MHC. Lastly, exercising cultural humility and learning about Black/African cultures will aid all clinicians in having effective sessions with Black/African clients.
Start Time
15-4-2026 1:30 PM
End Time
15-4-2026 4:30 PM
Room Number
Culp Ballroom 316
Poster Number
17
Presentation Type
Poster
Presentation Subtype
Posters - Competitive
Presentation Category
Social Sciences
Student Type
Undergraduate Student
Faculty Mentor
Manik Ahuja
Exploring Black/African Appalachians’ Attitudes on Rural Mental Health Care
Culp Ballroom 316
Background: The national suicide rate for Black Americans increased by 58% from 2011 to 2021. Similarly, suicide rates are higher for individuals in rural areas. Lack of access to mental health care (MHC) is a primary contributor to rising rates for both populations. This trend can be observed in Appalachia, a region often characterized by greater stigma around MHC, feelings of isolation and hopelessness, and lower education rates compared to metropolitan areas. Aim: This study examined Black and African Appalachians’ access to MHC and attitudes about using MHC. Methods: We employed a community engaged approach by partnering with the Northeast Tennessee Association of Black Social Workers to recruit adult (i.e. aged 18 and older), Black and African residents (n = 37) of Washington County, TN. We measured perceived medical discrimination, perceived stigma, preference for a Black counselor, and important counselor qualities using a questionnaire hosted on Qualtrics. We utilized Reflexive Thematic Analysis to code qualitative response data, and descriptives of the quantitative data were created using SPSS. Results: Most participants have experienced discrimination in a healthcare setting, believe they would be stigmatized for seeking MHC, and prefer or to see a counselor of their racial/ethnic background. Participants reported that accessibility, counselor identity, cultural competence, experience, and positive regard for clients are most important when choosing a counselor or therapist. Lastly, participants listed their primary reasons for not seeking MHC. Conclusion: Black and African Appalachians encounter distinct barriers to MHC at the intersection of their rural context and racialized identity. Partnering with trusted community figures to share mental health education can help destigmatize MHC. Having Black clinicians at mental health clinics may encourage Black/African clients to use MHC. Lastly, exercising cultural humility and learning about Black/African cultures will aid all clinicians in having effective sessions with Black/African clients.
