This Black History Month, we honor the Black leaders whose work has shaped mental health care and continues to influence how care is delivered today. From early pioneers to modern practices, these milestones highlight the evolution of approaches that respect each person’s unique experiences and needs.
Late 1800s–Early 1900s:
Dr. Solomon Carter Fuller was one of the first Black psychiatrists in the United States. He provided early psychiatric services for Black patients through Howard University–affiliated work and St. Elizabeths Hospital, pioneered Alzheimer’s research, and challenged racist psychiatric ideas of the time.
1920:
Dr. Francis Cecil Sumner became the first Black American to earn a PhD in psychology. His work laid the foundation for research that considers the unique experiences and environments of Black individuals in mental health care.
1930s:
Dr. Inez Beverly Prosser published research on the psychological effects of segregated schools on Black children, highlighting how a child’s environment and shared practices can affect mental well-being.
1947–1954:
Drs. Mamie Phipps Clark and Kenneth Clark conducted the Doll Studies, showing how segregation negatively impacted the mental health of Black children. Their research was influential in the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision.
1960s:
During the Civil Rights era, Black mental health professionals advocated for community-based care and challenged biased psychiatric diagnoses, emphasizing approaches that recognize individuals’ unique circumstances and needs.
1968:
The Association of Black Psychologists was founded to address racism in psychology and promote care that responds to the experiences of the individuals being served.
1980s–1990s:
Black-led community mental health clinics expanded, focusing on trauma, substance use, family support, and the broader environments that affect well-being.
1990s–2000s:
Author and advocate Bebe Moore Campbell brought national attention to mental health stigma in Black communities, encouraging open dialogue and understanding.
2008:
National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month was established to highlight disparities in mental health care and promote access to high-quality services for all communities.
2010s–Present:
Modern mental health practice has evolved to incorporate approaches that respect each person’s experiences and environment, recognize the impacts of racial trauma, integrate behavioral and physical health, and increase representation of Black clinicians.
The foundational contributions of Black leaders in mental health continue to shape the care we provide today. CenterPointe’s approach emphasizes strength-based, trauma-informed, and person-centered care, tailoring support to each individual’s needs and customizing care in every interaction. By focusing on people’s strengths and experiences, we help ensure that mental health services are safe, supportive, and effective for everyone we serve.
