Black American Men's Treatment Experiences in Mental Health Court: A Phenomenological Analysis

Abstract

In this qualitative study, the authors examined young adult Black American men's perceptions of treatment in mental health diversion programs. Findings included 3 themes: helpful treatment factors, cognitive dissonance, and treatment barriers. The authors explore counseling competency and advocacy considerations for judicial settings.

“Is it Okay Not to be Okay?”: A Critical Literature Review of Barriers to Mental Health Treatment for Black Men

“…). Contrary to more recent research (Cadaret & Speight, 2018; Coleman-Kirumba et al, 2023; Shannon, 2023; Stare & Fernando, 2019), most men in the study did not report perceptions of stigma associated with mental illness nor did they feel stigma was a barrier to treatment (E. C Ward & Besson, 2013…”

“…Findings suggested the following themes: helpful treatment factors related to positive emotional and cognitive experiences, cognitive dissonance between preconceived negative views of the judicial system and mental health treatment and positive treatment experiences; and treatment barriers such as stigma, oppression, isolation, medication side effects, lack of knowledge about treatments and given diagnoses, mistrust, and powerlessness. Participants reported positive experiences with providers who normalized and validated their experiences within an oppressive system (Stare & Fernando, 2019).…”

“…In a phenomenological study, Stare and Fernando (2019) examined Black men’s perceptions of treatment in court mandated mental health diversion programs. They recruited participants over a 4-month period from a misdemeanor mental health court program and two felony mental health court programs.…”

“…However, their study did have significant limitations, such as no involvement of Black researchers, interviews conducted by a White male, and feelings of powerlessness and perceived coercion among the participants. The authors acknowledged these factors and document ways they worked to address these limitations as much as possible (Stare & Fernando, 2019).…”

Racial and ethnic differences in behavioral health, criminal legal system involvement, and service needs among mental health court participants: Implications for service delivery.

“…Despite the proliferation of MHC, little is known about racial and ethnic disparities among the population served in these settings. The limited research, not specific to those with COD, suggest that racial and ethnic disparities may exist in referral to MHCs (Steadman et al, 2005); treatment engagement (Stare & Fernando, 2019); and outcomes (e.g., historically marginalized racial groups were significantly more likely to be terminated from the MHC; Dirks-Linhorst et al, 2013). To date, research has not examined ethnic and racial differences in the characteristics and needs of individuals with COD entering a MHC.…”