Some conversations couldn't be more timely, or more necessary. On this important episode of M.E.S.H., Dr. Pamela Brewer welcomes Dr. Jeffrey Gardere, a board-certified clinical psychologist, professor of behavioral medicine, and one of the most respected voices in the field. 💛 Together they explore the mental health of African American teens, who carry not only the universal challenges of adolescence but also the added weight of racism, violence, social media pressure, and uncertainty about the future. Dr. Gardere speaks candidly about the very real fears facing parents of Black children, the generational advice passed from his own parents to his sons, and the way depression in young Black males is so often masked as anger, isolation, or self-destructive behavior. Most importantly, he offers parents and caregivers a compassionate path forward: create physical and psychological safety, truly listen, and model what healthy emotional expression looks like. This is a candid, deeply human conversation about pain, resilience, and the enduring power of love and being heard.
🌟 Topics Covered:
The unique mental health pressures facing African American teens
The real fears of parents raising Black children
How systemic racism affects young people's self-image
Recognizing masked depression in young Black males
Why anger and isolation can be signs of pain, not danger
The shortage of clinicians and the need for cultural competence
Practical first steps for parents and caregivers
Key Takeaways:
African American teens face the universal challenges of adolescence plus added burdens.
Depression in young Black males is often masked as anger, silence, or self-destructive behavior.
Living with racism can affect a young person's self-image and mental health.
Parents can help by creating safety, listening closely, and modeling emotional expression.
Cultural competence in clinicians matters for everyone who provides care.
Learn more about our guest:
Website: drjeffgardere.com (links to social media and additional resources)
Dr. Jeffrey Gardere is a board-certified clinical psychologist, professor of behavioral medicine at the Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, associate director of training for a PsyD program, and maintains a private practice
Resource List:
Programs mentioned: Dr. Gardere's stress-reduction workshops and counseling services for global law firms
Organizations mentioned: Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine; Touro University
#BlackMentalHealth #TeenMentalHealth #Depression #Parenting #Racism #MentalHealthAwareness #CulturalCompetence #Healing #MESHPodcast #PamelaBrewer #DrJeffGardere #YouthWellbeing