As the nation observes Mental Health Awareness Month, our “Black Church in Detroit” series examines the church’s role in supporting the well-being of young people and how it can partner with mental health professionals.

Host Stephen Henderson has a candid conversation about mental wellness among young African Americans with three guests: James White, president & CEO of Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network (DWIHN); Erica Cravens, a board-certified behavior analyst and member of Fellowship Chapel; and Rev. Jonathan Betts Fields, youth pastor at Hartford Memorial Baptist Church.

White discusses the significant uptick in the youth behavioral health crisis and explains how DWIHN is working with churches to provide mental health services. He offers his thoughts on some of the reasons why young people are struggling with their mental health, and he stresses the importance of reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness in the African American community.

Cravens talks about her interactions with adolescents and teens and how they are not always forthcoming with their parents about what’s going on in their lives. She outlines some of the things that impact youth mental health, such as social media, comparisons, and cyberbullying. Cravens also explains how Fellowship Chapel works with youth to support their mental well-being.

Rev. Fields reflects on his own mental health struggles as a teenager and how faith, church and therapy have helped him through the difficult seasons of his life. He offers his thoughts on the church’s role in assisting young people who are experiencing grief, depression, and suicidal ideation. Rev. Fields expresses the importance of kids having loving adults in their lives.