Black Mental Health: A Comprehensive Examination of African Americans in Psychiatric Care

Edited by Ezra E. H. Griffith, “Black Mental Health: Patients, Providers, and Systems” is a groundbreaking publication that delves into the unique experiences of African Americans within the American psychiatric healthcare system. This seminal work provides a multifaceted exploration of the complex issues that affect both black patients and mental health professionals, shedding light on the cultural, societal, and professional factors that have shaped their roles in this specialized healthcare arena.

Personal Stories of Perseverance

The book begins with personal narratives from five senior black psychiatrists, including Dr. Altha J. Stewart, President of the American Psychiatric Association. These inspiring stories of overcoming racism and discrimination offer a rare glimpse into the journeys of these accomplished professionals, highlighting the challenges they faced on their paths to leadership.

Delivering Mental Health Care to Diverse African American Populations

The second part of the book focuses on the complexities of delivering mental health care to various subsets of the African American population, including children, women, elderly patients, and LGBTQ individuals. The authors examine innovative system design strategies, biological therapies, and church-based mental health promotion initiatives as potential solutions to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in access to effective treatment.

Training and Representation of Black Mental Health Professionals

Part III investigates the training of black mental health professionals, their representation in psychiatry, and the impact of discrimination and implicit bias on their careers. A dedicated chapter explores the vital role of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the delivery of psychiatric services and research development for African Americans.

Research Advances and Integrated Care Approaches

The fourth part of the book presents research that is specifically relevant to the care of the black population, providing valuable insights into the development of integrated care approaches. The authors discuss the importance of culturally sensitive research that addresses the unique needs of African Americans.

A Holistic Understanding of Black Mental Health

In the concluding chapter, the authors synthesize the key themes that emerged from each of the previous sections, offering a comprehensive understanding of the place of black patients and providers in American psychiatry. This integrative approach highlights the need for a multidisciplinary effort to address the challenges and opportunities in the care of nondominant groups.

With its meticulous blend of scholarship, clinical insight, and training analysis, “Black Mental Health” is essential reading for trainees, practicing clinicians, policymakers, educators, and historians. This landmark publication will enrich readers’ understanding of the complexities of black mental health, ultimately contributing to the development of more effective, culturally sensitive care approaches.

ISBN: 9781615372065 / 9781615372102

Published by American Psychiatric Association Publishing, September 24, 2018