DSW CANDIDATES

Samuel Louissaint

LCSW

How much does the presence of Black men in the mental health field affect Black men’s desire to seek mental health services?: A Comprehensive study.

Abstract

This capstone project offers a thorough analysis of the challenges confronting Black men in the United States as they navigate access to mental health services. It investigates the potential effects of increasing the representation of Black men within the mental health field on their willingness to engage with such resources. Moreover, the researcher explores actionable steps across individual, community, and societal levels to enhance the presence of Black men in mental health professions and to cultivate a supportive environment conducive to Black men’s utilization of mental health services.

Bio

Samuel Louissaint, an experienced mental health expert, is the head therapist of an Intensive Outpatient Program for HCA. He specializes in providing group treatment for college students. Aside from his leadership position, he actively mentors master’s level interns, aiding in the growth of future mental health professionals. Simultaneously, Samuel has a thriving private practice where he provides individual treatment, demonstrating his commitment to providing tailored and effective mental health assistance. He excels in clinical practice and significantly influences the discipline’s future via mentoring and program leadership.

Samuel’s dedication to mental health is also seen in his scientific pursuits. As a Doctoral Candidate at the University of Kentucky, he explores the dynamics of mental health service utilization among Black men, with the goal of fostering inclusivity and representation within the mental health practitioner community. His compelling capstone thesis is titled “The impact of Black men’s representation in the mental health field on Black men’s willingness to seek mental health services.” Shows his commitment to understanding and overcoming the obstacles that prevent Black men from accessing mental health care. Samuel plans to start a campaign to inspire more Black men to pursue careers in mental health and promote a culture of seeking mental health assistance within the community.