A new study has found that only 48% of students of color feel comfortable reaching out to a teacher or counselor if they need mental health support compared to 57% of White students.
These numbers stand out sharply, considering the report, by the non-profit ACT, found only one in four American adolescents experiences mental health challenges.
The report, “Supporting the Mental Health Well-Being of High School Students,” analyzed and compared students’ experience and knowledge of mental health services in their high schools. It found both racial and geographical demographic disparities in the level of access and comfort while seeking counseling.
Schools need to address this issue by diversifying the teacher workforce and ensuring that all teachers take cultural competency training sessions, said ACT’s report.
The risk of mental illness for students of color are significantly reduced if their school has a positive and supportive environment. One way to create this atmosphere is to have more teachers with similar race and background as the students.
“I think students have this really unique perspective,” said Dr. Raeal Moore, senior research scientist at ACT and co-author of the report. “If we are here as educators or policy makers to provide support to students, then we should be asking them what they need and I don’t think that’s often done.”
To create more diversity, many schools around the country have participated in the Grow Your Own program, which recruits and trains students and community members of color to become teachers.
