Georgia

Mental health counselors in demand more than ever since beginning of pandemic

ATLANTA — The need for mental health counselors has never been greater than it is right now, especially when you consider there was already a shortage of counselors before the pandemic.

Its harder for Black Americans, especially if they are seeking mental health counselors who look like them.

Tamara Ferebee, executive director for the National Association of Black Counselor, can feel the burden and the need to help minorities disproportionately affected by the pandemic and racial unrest.

“Everybody has been inundated whether they are Black therapist, white therapist, all of us are inundated,” Ferebee said.

Founded in 2017, there are about 500 members of the National Association of Black Counselors, according to Ferebee.

“Black counselors are about 8 to 9% of the mental health workforce and not just counselors but social workers psychologists,” Ferebee said. “Yes, we have a huge shortage of African-American men and women therapists and we really need it.”

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Dr. Lucy Cannon, a licensed clinical social worker, says it helps when it comes to developing an effective treatment plan and establishing patient/therapist trust to understand the client’s experience.

“It’s like this sense of comfort. She looks like me and she’s going to support me and help me get the resources that I need,” Cannon said.

According to Ferebee, low starting salary, hassle with insurance companies and the process of getting a degree are a few of the reasons there are a shortage of Black mental health therapists.

“I am recruiting for African-Americans and people in general in this field to please get licensed because we really, really need you,” Ferebee said.

If you are having suicidal thoughts call the National Suicide Prevention Life Line at 1-800-273-TALK