An examination of black males' perceptions of mental illness as it pertains to behavior and diagnosis of self-evaluation is the foundation of this research study. This research study will be able to help with early diagnosis in the K-12 school system. Diagnosing mental illness early could prevent life-long suffering through the adult years. This research study was also designed to examine Black males' perceptions of mental illness as it related to their specific needs and wants. This research study focused on four Behavioral and four Diagnosis indicators. The Behavioral aspects of mental illness addressed in this research study were psychiatrist, emotional problems, medication, and psychiatric emergency. The Diagnostic aspect of mental illness addressed in this research study were schizophrenia, depressive disorders, delusional disorder, and manic episode. Recent studies indicated that the health gap between Black men and men of other racial/ethnic groups in the U.S. is widening, with Black men experiencing poorer health. Because mental health is an indelible component of overall health, addressing the health issues of Black men requires a critical examination of factors that influence the mental health of this population. Prior research suggests that Black men have more adverse life experiences than men of other racial/ethnic groups and, consequently, experience more depressive symptoms (Watkins, Green, Rivers, & Rowell, 2006). A decade has passed since the National Institute of Mental Health initiated its landmark "Real Men Real Depression" public education campaign. Despite increased awareness, depressed African American men continue to underutilize mental health treatment and have the highest all cause mortality rates of any racial/ethnic group in the United States (Hankerson, Suite, & Bailey, 2015). The research study was conducted using a quantitative method. Eight questions guided the research study. The results originated from an independent, random survey. Using the "Mental Health Screening Form III," 205 African-American males participated in the study. Descriptive Statistics was used to summarize the data in this study. Survey results found a large majority of African American male participants had dealt with or suffered bouts of depression more so than any other indicator discussed in this dissertation. At the same time, less than half of the participants had seen a psychiatrist nor had been prescribed medication for a potentially diagnosed mental illness. Results of the study indicated there needs to be more research conducted and open discussion made available to and for African American males to be comfortable to see a psychiatrist or mental health therapist (African American professionals, if possible), if and when one is needed. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]