The present study examined the types of drugs likely to be used by bullies, victims, and bully/victims. Participants comprise African American adolescents from three high schools, one youth church group, two community youth programs, and four public venues in low-income communities in Chicago’s Southside. A series of logistic regression analyses and latent class analyses were employed. Victims are likely to use alcohol, marijuana, and lean/krokodil. Bullies were likely to use alcohol and marijuana. Bully/victims were not at risk of any of the substances. Our LCA findings revealed a lower occurrence of substance use among victims although 30% used alcohol and marijuana; more than half of bullies showed high levels of alcohol, marijuana, and lean/krokodil use; a diverse pattern of drug use was shown among bully/victims although their lean/krokodil and crack/cocaine use was higher than other subgroups of bullying. The drugs of choice for African American bullies, victims, or bully/victims are variable.

Purpose: This article examines how generative artificial intelligence (AI) can simulate, analyze, and enhance mental health care journeys for individuals from diverse backgrounds, supporting improved access, personalization, and outcomes.Design/methodology/approach: An AI-generated case study of Marcus Johnson, a 24-year-old Black software developer in Atlanta, models the interplay of personal, cultural, and systemic factors affecting mental health care access. The analysis integrates Andersen's Behavioral Model, Penchansky and Thomas's Dimensions of Access, and Measurement Based Care (MBC) to systematically identify barriers, facilitators, and opportunities for data-driven intervention and tailored care.Findings: The case study demonstrates that generative AI simulations, especially when combined with MBC, can replicate real-world complexities, inform clinical decision-making, and personalize interventions through ongoing assessment, symptom monitoring, and collaborative planning. Telehealth, flexible scheduling, and cultural competence are highlighted as critical for bridging access gaps and improving outcomes.Originality/value: This work is among the first to synthesize leading access-to-care models, MBC, and generative AI to simulate and improve mental health care pathways. The approach offers a novel framework for educators, clinicians, and system designers to address the full spectrum of access challenges and clinical needs in contemporary populations.Practical implications: Generative AI, anchored in evidence-based frameworks, enables mental health professionals and trainees to test and refine care strategies in a risk-free environment, promoting more equitable, responsive, and effective mental health systems for all.

Mental health service research has insufficiently examined young Black men’s (YBM; ages 18–25) mental health care consumption patterns, obscuring their unmet mental health needs. Concurrently, the literature indicates YBM face unmet service needs that impede their ability to address numerous negative social determinants of health (e.g., high adverse childhood experiences, low socioeconomic status, etc.). Because preventing or treating mental health issues at or near onset can dramatically improve outcomes, this study utilizes thematic analysis to elucidate the factors most consequential to YBM’s experiences as mental health service consumers. Eight YBM ( M_age = 21.1 years) were purposively recruited to participate in semi-structured interviews to discuss attitudes regarding mental health care and cultural attitudes, gender-based attitudes, structural racism, and transition to adulthood. Of the eight participants, five had active health insurance, six had received mental health services before age 18 years, and three were currently receiving mental health services. Participants were attuned to their mental health needs and rejected stigmatizing attitudes about mental illness. Most participants reported hesitation about taking psychiatric medications. Participants had limited resources and encountered structural barriers to accessing mental health services. Most participants did not perceive racism as a source of mental distress. Culturally informed, consumer-oriented research is critical to tailoring and strengthening YBM’s mental health care. Future research should employ a population health approach to promote YBM’s mental health service uptake in adulthood.

Black children in the United States disproportionately experience early childhood adversity and toxic stress, which can lead to long-term negative physical and mental health outcomes. Mothers are traditionally enrolled in intervention programs to help address this while fathers typically are not. This study assessed Black fathers’ perspectives about early childhood adversity and toxic stress to begin to understand this public health concern through their lens. Sixteen self-identified Black fathers watched a six-minute animation about toxic stress, neurodevelopment, and resilience, and engaged in focus group discussions. Fathers identified unique and culture-specific contributors to early childhood adversity and toxic stress, as well as their inherent strengths and needs to help protect children. Implications for social work practice, particularly related to Black father engagement in early childhood prevention and intervention programs, are discussed.