In South Minneapolis, the Park Avenue Center has long been a cornerstone of support for adults facing mental health and substance use challenges. With over 45 years of service, the center offers programs ranging from intensive outpatient care to freestanding room-and-board services, all guided by a multidisciplinary team including counselors, social workers, nurses, and dietitians.
While the center serves adults of all backgrounds, one program stands out: a culturally specific group designed for African American men. This program is unique in its approach, acknowledging the historical, social and systemic factors that can make Black men hesitant to seek help.
“Our program is designed to first build trust,” explains John Norwood, MS, LADC, a counselor at Park Avenue Center. “We slow down treatment to meet men where they are…addressing their mental health, their anger, and the systemic challenges they face. Only when they feel safe do they engage fully in treatment.”
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the importance of such culturally tailored programs is underscored by statistics showing that Black men are significantly less likely than other populations to utilize mental health services. National surveys indicate that only 27% of Black men with mental health needs accessed services in the past year, compared to nearly 40% of White men…