The purpose of this study was to interview Black social workers, as key informants, on current attitudes towards mental health treatment by the African American community. The respondents consisted of 12 professionally trained African American social workers, between the ages of 26 and 66 years, who currently work or worked in mental health. The researcher developed the qualitative interview guide used in this study.

Half of the respondents reported that lack of trust in any formal institution was the main reason that African Americans did not access mental health services. Overall, matching an African American client with an African American clinician was viewed as positively impacting the therapeutic relationship. Shame was viewed as the main stigma or impediment that prevents African Americans from accessing mental health treatment.

These findings suggest that there continues to be negativity within the Black community about formal mental health services and mental health diagnoses. More research is needed on this topic.