How Can We Break the Stigma Around Black Mental Health?

Rev. Dr. J.N. Huskey shares her groundbreaking approach to Black mental health stigma in a powerful VOD Newz interview.

By Knowledge Born Allah, VOD Newz, Sunday 7-20-25

Mental health remains a critical yet often stigmatized issue in the Black community. Historical trauma, systemic racism, and cultural barriers have created significant challenges in accessing care. Reverend Dr. J.N. Huskey, CEO of Haus of Blanco and a combat war veteran of the U.S. Army, has dedicated her career to breaking the stigma surrounding Black mental health. With over 3,000 individuals helped globally, Dr. Huskey’s holistic approach is transforming how mental health care is perceived and delivered.

Dr. Huskey explained that misinformation and outdated perceptions of therapy are major contributors to the stigma. “A lot of people in our community have this misunderstanding that therapy is just an old man with glasses on a couch writing in a notebook,” she said. Her perspective aligns with findings from the American Psychological Association, which emphasize that culturally competent care improves outcomes by addressing the unique needs of diverse communities.

Her journey into mental health began as a teenager when she struggled to find the help she needed. “I wanted to become what I didn’t have,” Rev. Dr. J.N. Huskey shared. Over time, she shifted from clinical psychology to holistic and integrative studies, recognizing that a more natural, spiritual approach resonates better with the Black community. This approach is supported by NAMI, which states, “Racism and racial discrimination create significant and unacceptable mental health inequities.”

Dr. Huskey also addressed the deep mistrust of the healthcare system among Black Americans, rooted in historical injustices like the Tuskegee experiments. “If you go into a situation seeking help already not trusting the system, it creates a barrier,” she noted. Her holistic approach, which feels “more like talking to your grandma or auntie,” aims to rebuild trust and create a sense of community. This sentiment is echoed in a NAMI article, which highlights the psychological toll of racial trauma and the need for community-based solutions.

For those seeking help, Rev. Dr. J.N. Huskey recommends finding a Black therapist through online directories or reaching out to Haus of Blanco. “Mental health is just as important as physical health, and it’s time we started treating it that way,” she concluded. This perspective is reinforced by the American Psychological Association, which states, “Therapy should be seen as a tool for growth and healing, not a sign of weakness.”

This story highlights the urgent need to address mental health stigma in the Black community and the transformative power of holistic care. Rev. Dr. J.N. Huskey’s work at Haus of Blanco serves as a beacon of hope for those seeking healing and wellness. For more information, visit Haus of Blanco.