training in cultural awareness and skills, communicating with community health leaders, and including community members in decisions affecting their healthcare options.
The institute points out that training in practices of specific groups (i.e. “Latinos” or “Asian Americans” or “African Americans”) can lead to increased stereotyping, as people within these groups can have extremely varied values, socioeconomic status, and experiences. While it’s important to be aware of the way structural oppression can affect members of marginalized groups, it’s also vital for practitioners to be well-versed in empathy and listening skills to take in and connect to individual patients and adjust care to each person’s circumstances.
Those in positions of leadership in the mental healthcare community must acknowledge that the experiences of African Americans in America vary greatly from those of white people. Mental Health America points out that a long history of oppression against African Americans can contribute to factors that increase the likelihood of mental illness, such as low socioeconomic status and the trauma of experiencing racism and microaggressions.
Practitioners must take responsibility for the continued barriers African Americans face when attempting to manage mental illness and improve their cultural competency so all Americans requiring care have the opportunity to get healthy.
Alexis Anderson is a digital PR coordinator covering K-12 education at 2U Inc. Alexis supports outreach for school counseling, teaching, mental health, and occupational therapy programs.