February marks Black History Month, a time to celebrate the richness of the contributions, trials, triumphs, fortitude and cultural achievements of Black Americans. This Black History Month, the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) offers a view at the landscape of behavioral health in the Black community.

Mental Health in the Black Community

Black History Month can be a powerful time for reflection, learning and community building. Here are some things you can do to enhance your wellness and appreciate the commemoration:

1. Educate Yourself and Others: Learning about Black history and the contributions of Black individuals can be empowering and inspiring. It can also provide a sense of connection and pride. Share your knowledge with friends and family to foster a supportive community.

2. Celebrate: Engage in activities that bring you joy, whether it's listening to music, dancing, reading literature by Black authors, or watching films by Black filmmakers.

3. Connect with Community: Surround yourself with people who share appreciation for your cultural background and experiences. Attend events, join clubs, or participate in online forums that celebrate Black history and culture. Building a strong support network can enhance your mental well-being year-round.

4. Practice Self-Care: Ensure you are taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental health. This can include activities like exercising, meditating, journaling, or simply taking time to relax and unwind.

5. Find Professional Support: If you are struggling with your mental health, consider seeking support from a mental health professional. Finding a therapist who understands and respects your cultural background can be particularly beneficial. See how to access services from the CSB below.

Taking care of your mental health is a personal journey and it's important to find what works best for you. The CSB is here to help by providing services for mental health, substance misuse, and developmental disabilities to all individuals in our community.

Accessing Behavioral Health Care

There is longstanding evidence that there are unique challenges in accessing behavioral healthcare for the Black community. It’s important to be aware of such barriers to support a more equitable and healthy community. While there can be a willingness to seek help, it may be alongside apprehension about seeking professional mental health services due to stigma and perceived lack of cultural competence among providers. Historical trauma, systemic racism, poverty and socioeconomic disparities also contribute to mental health challenges within Black communities.

The Wellness, Health Promotion and Prevention (WHPP) team at the CSB is dedicated to reaching underserved and underrepresented communities in Fairfax County. The targeted efforts from WHPP include initiatives in the Black community such as the Barbershop Talks series. Historically, this initiative facilitated open dialogue with members of the Black community with a focus on promoting positive mental health outcomes. The inspiration for this initiative came from recognizing that barbershops are a culturally social place where Black individuals may find comfort and support. In this spirit, the Barbershop Talks series promoted engaging conversations around mental health issues.

The WHPP team partners with the fraternities and sororities that charter the National Pan-Hellenic Council and other community leaders to provide resources at community events. These include no-cost prevention trainings and community engagement via the Fairfax Prevention Coalition. The WHPP team will be present at this year’s Black History Celebration at the Fairfax County Government Center on February 21, 2025.

Let’s celebrate and honor the impact of Black Americans’ contributions as we strive for a more inclusive and diverse community no matter what month it is on the calendar. Happy Black History Month!

• Find additional ways to celebrate Black History Month in Fairfax County.

• Learn more about behavioral health within the Black community.

To Access CSB Services

• For CSB Non-Emergency Behavioral Health Services, call CSB Entry & Referral at 703-383-8500 TTY 771, Monday-Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You may also walk-in at the Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health Monday-Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and Friday 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

• For emergency mental health or substance use services, walk-in services are available 24/7 at the Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health or call 703-573-5679 TTY 711.

• If you or someone you know is experiencing a substance use crisis, call the Fairfax Detoxification Center 24/7 at 703-502-7000, TTY 703-322-9080.

• If someone with a developmental disability is experiencing a mental health or substance abuse crisis, call REACH, a 24/7 regional crisis stabilization and crisis prevention service for children, youth and adults with developmental disabilities, at 855-897-8278.