President's Message

Jennifer Stonefield, LMFT
LA-CAMFT President

Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, observed every July, underscores the unique challenges faced by racial and ethnic minority groups concerning mental health. This month serves as a vital reminder of the disparities in mental health care access, stigma, and treatment outcomes experienced by these communities. It highlights the importance of culturally competent care and the need for increased awareness and education about mental health within minority populations. By recognizing and addressing these challenges, we can begin to bridge the gap in mental health care and promote a more inclusive and equitable system for all.

Strength plays a crucial role in the context of minority mental health. Individuals from minority communities often demonstrate remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. This strength is deeply rooted in their rich cultural heritages, strong community bonds, and enduring spirit of perseverance. Despite systemic barriers and discrimination, many minority individuals find ways to cope and thrive, drawing on their cultural practices, family support, and community resources. Celebrating this strength is essential, as it not only honors their resilience but also encourages the development of mental health interventions that are respectful and responsive to their cultural contexts.

However, recognizing the strength of minority communities should not overshadow the need for systemic change. While individual resilience is commendable, it is not a substitute for comprehensive mental health services and equitable access to care.

Advocacy efforts during Minority Mental Health Awareness Month aim to address these systemic issues, calling for policy changes, increased funding for mental health services, and the elimination of discriminatory practices within the healthcare system. By combining the recognition of individual and community strength with a commitment to systemic reform, we can create a more supportive environment for minority mental health and well-being.

Be kind to yourself and stay strong.

Jennifer Stonefield, LMFT, is Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. She’s always had a passion for psychology and going on the therapeutic journey with her clients reminds her of this every day. She has a wide array of clinical experience ranging from working with children in an educational setting to those suffering from dementia to individual work in several group, private practices where age holds no boundaries. She has an M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University, with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. Jennifer applies a person-centered approach when working with clients, as she believes that a “one size fits all” approach simply won’t cut it.