Dear Dr. Alfiee,

I have recently read some research that says that Black youth are far less likely to receive treatment for the same mental illness symptoms as their white friends and peers. Instead, some research suggests that Black youth are more likely to be funneled into the juvenile justice system in response to showing symptoms of mental illness. This makes me very sad and I wonder what I can do as a medical professional to help. I’m also curious about your thoughts as a mental health researcher and advocate for young people. How can we all better support the mental health of Black young people and young people and young people of color?

Sincerely,
Dr. P

Dear Dr. P,

Well Dr. P, I think that the very fact you have raised this question gives me and so many others hope. Honestly, there is so much we each can do and I lay out some of my ideas in this special blog post which was shared on Evoke.org, Melinda Gates’s community of optimists.

Love and Light,

Dr. Alfiee