This study identified and described the mental health concerns of Black collegians in certain majors by using a critical racial lens. Common experiences with racism compel Black collegians to pursue careers in helping professions, geared towards social justice. However, faculty must work towards leveling the playing field for Black students by providing them with proper mental health resources throughout their college experience.

Boston University

The study reveals that the departments of social work, psychology, and nursing contained the most students seeking mental health counseling, suggesting students interested in the helping professions may be attracted to them because of their own mental health concerns. Black collegians pursuing helping professions reported many mental health concerns, indicating the unique, racialized experiences of students with certain mental health concerns could be a reason they pursue these professions.

Prevalence of Mental Health Concerns in Certain Professions

Val Livingston, Angela Bost & Alandra Copeland (2021) Exploring black students’ mental health characteristics by field of academic study utilizing a critical race lens, Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, DOI: 10.1080/10911359.2021.1956394


Exploring black students’ mental health characteristics by field of academic study utilizing a critical race lens

Conclusion: Racialized Mental Health Concerns and Pursuing Health Professions



If a majority of Black collegians dominating health professions suffer from mental disorders, college counseling centers must reach out to them and provide ample resources for support. But, they must consider the racialized stress experienced by Black collegians and help them understand the impact of racialized stress on their mental health. Infusing  social work, nursing, and psychology curricula with information about mental health services would be beneficial, including self-care tools and resources for unresolved mental health needs.

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