by Mell P
While mental health struggles touch every community, Black and Brown Americans face unique barriers—from stigma to systemic lack of resources. Consider this: According to the American Psychiatric Association, only 1 in 3 Black Americans who need mental health care actually receive it. And a 2022 CDC report found that Black adults are 20% more likely to report serious psychological distress than white adults—yet they’re far less likely to seek treatment.
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The reasons are complex: cultural stigma, lack of access to affordable care, and a shortage of culturally competent providers. In fact, the American Psychological Association reports that while Black people make up 14% of the U.S. population, only 4% of psychologists are Black. This gap leaves too many suffering in silence—especially in faith communities, where mental health is often overlooked or misunderstood.
But in Harlem at First Corinthian Baptist Church and The Hope Center, that’s changing. Under Senior Pastor Michael A. Walrond Jr.’s leadership, this church has become a sanctuary for holistic healing—where faith and mental health care intersect. And Dr. Lena Green’s work as Executive Director of the The Hope Center is breaking down barriers, providing free and low-cost counseling, support groups, and even training for faith leaders to address mental health crises.
Last week, Carib News had the distinguished honor to speak with them both about the critical issue of mental wellness facing our communities.
When Rev. Waldron first recognized he might be battling depression in 2011, his moment of awakening came through a traumatic experience. “On a trip, I had a suicidal thought that shook me to my core,” he recalls. “That’s when I knew I needed professional help.” Without hesitation, he reached out to a colleague who connected him with a therapist – the same therapist he still sees today.
What makes Rev. Waldron’s story remarkable isn’t just his personal breakthrough, but how he transformed his experience into a ministry. “I felt no shame about my mental health struggles,” he explains, acknowledging that many in his congregation initially hesitated to speak openly about such issues due to stigma.
After experiencing profound healing through therapy, Rev. Waldron began addressing mental health from the pulpit. “My goal was simple – if I could help just one person feel safe enough to seek help, it would be worth it.” His candid sermons sparked a cultural shift within the First Corinthian Baptist Church, leading to an expansion in programming that included mental wellness seminars and eventually the creation of The Hope Center.
Now located on 116th Street in Harlem, The Hope Center represents a revolutionary approach to faith-based mental healthcare. Under Dr. Green’s leadership, the center provides free, evidence-based services including individual therapy, group sessions, grief counseling, and medication management through partnerships with Mount Sinai Hospital.
“Many churches admire our work,” Dr. Green notes, “but it requires real commitment – not just talk, but financial investment and trust that people will come.” The Center’s services are fully underwritten by FCBC’s budget, removing financial barriers to care.
She also shared that partnerships have been the anchor of the work at the Center, which is evidence of the intentionality behind this initiative.
Rev. Waldron has been particularly intentional about challenging toxic masculinity in the Black community.
“Men suffer in silence for fear of being ostracized, for showing emotion or being vulnerable, but it is about unlearning those parts that are detrimental, and reimagining what it means to be human.”
“To be human is to show emotion, to shed a tear, to be transparent.” It doesn’t undermine who the man is, it actually reinforces who he is.”
Through his advocacy, Rev. Waldron has created a blueprint for how faith institutions can bridge the gap between spiritual healing and mental healthcare.
“Churches have a critical role in normalizing these conversations,” he emphasizes. “True ministry means caring for the whole person – mind, body and spirit.”
The entire conversation with Rev. Waldron and Dr. Green will be available soon for your listening pleasure across Carib News’ channels.
