Mental Health and African American CSUSM Students: Barriers and Facilitators to Care

African American/Black college students are less likely to utilize mental health services, when compared to other races or ethnicities in the United States. It must be noted that in general, Black college students have unique experiences that affect their mental health. However, there is paucity of published research and information in the literature on the utilization of mental health services by this population of college students. This study was conducted to gain a better understanding and appreciation of the shared barriers and facilitators that affect Black students in seeking and utilizing mental health services at the main campus of California State University San Marcos. Primary data collection involved two qualitative focus group discussions with a total of 20 self-identified Black/African American undergraduate students who are enrolled for classes during the Fall of 2018 semester. Semi-structured interviews were administered on separate days to the two focus groups. The participants were asked questions that assessed their mental health knowledge, attitudes and beliefs, and personal experiences in accessing and utilizing mental health services on campus. Results from the study identified a total of 4 themes as being barriers to accessing and utilizing mental health services: racism/discrimination on campus, lack of Black mental health counselors on campus, cultural perceptions of mental health, and stigma. There were no facilitators identified in utilizing mental health services on campus. The results of the study suggest a greater need to: (1) employ more providers who are Black mental health counselors/psychologists, (2) explore the necessity for additional alternative mental health treatments for Black students, such as group discussions, or group therapy, etc., (3) train faculty members and campus staff on cultural competencies to minimize potential biases and discrimination, and (4) promote inclusiveness through mental health outreach for Black students. It is hoped that these findings may play a significant role in increasing mental health service utilization and treatment for Black students at CSUSM.