For many people, lack of understanding and stigma around mental illness and substance abuse can prevent them from accessing needed services. In honor of National Minority Mental Health Awareness month, we talked with a culturally diverse group from Cenpatico’s Care Coordination Team about the increased challenges that minority, and culturally diverse individuals can face in seeking out mental health or substance abuse services.

 ‘In the African-American community, acknowledging that you have a mental health issue is like having a dark dirty secret.