Cultural Considerations in Working with Black and African American Youth

Abstract

This article seeks to provide an exploration of the contributors to the mental health of Black and African Americans. We explore the foundations of racism in this country as well as factors leading to systemic racism. It is important to gain an understanding of the multifaceted contributors to disparities in health care and mental health care. Black children and adolescents experience more poverty, discrimination, marginalization, and racism compared with their white counterparts in the United States (APA, 2017). These are factors that greatly impact the mental health of this population. In addition to exploring examples of disparities in diagnosis, treatment, and research on Black youth, we also provide recommendations for clinicians seeking to provide exemplary culturally sensitive care that recognizes the diverse and multifaceted nature of this population.

Keywords: Black and African American; Healthcare equity; Mental health; Systemic racism.