Why Black Men and Women Resist Psychiatric Treatment

Abstract

This paper aims to show why blacks prefer to get psychiatric help from black churches rather than professional psychiatric practices. Slavery and the emancipation of slaves are the primary reasons that blacks prefer seeking psychiatric aid from black churches rather than professional practices. Although blacks were emancipated, they still received unjust treatment and perceptions about who they were. The black church served as a sanctuary to the black community where they were free to express their problems without the pressures of being labeled. The black church provides trust and a foundation in God while psychiatrists provide coping techniques and try to educate patients on how to better themselves. Both of these support systems would help the black community build trust. and become more open to seeking psychiatric help.