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The African American Minister as a Source of Help for Serious Personal Crises: Bridge or Barrier to Mental Health Care?

University of Michigan, School of Public Health, 1420 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029; phone: (734) 936-9868; fax: (734) 763-7379 woodyn{at}umich.edu

Marc A. Musick, PhD

David R. Williams, PhD

Institute for Social Research, the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Using data from the National Survey of Black Americans, this article explores the role of African American ministers in the help seeking of African Americans for serious emotional problems. The authors explore which demographic characteristics and psychosocial factors are related to contacting Black clergy for help, whether certain types of personal problems increase the likelihood of clergy contact, and whether those who go to ministers are also likely to seek help from other professional help sources. Results indicate that women are more likely than men to seek help from ministers. People with economic problems are less likely to contact clergy, while those with death or bereavement problems are more likely to seek help from the clergy. Regardless of the type or severity of the problem, those who contact clergy first are less likely to seek help from other professionals. It is recommended that African American clergy and mental health professionals engage in a mutual exchange of information to increase access to professional care among African Americans with serious personal problems.

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