African American and Mental Health Culturally Competent Care

Description

African Americans account for approximately (25%) of the mental health needs in this country, though they only make up (14%) of the nation’s population. The prevalence of mental disorders is estimated to be higher among African Americans than among White Americans. Many African Americans will not consider counseling services outside of the church setting and mental problems are not being addressed. There is a stigma associated with seeking mental health services in the African American community. African Americans often mistrust the mental health professionals based on history due to the higher-than-average institutionalization of African Americans with mental illness. The author developed a model of care for strategies for improving the treatment of African Americans with mental problems and future research needs. The various treatments for mental health are discussed to include traditional and conventional treatments. Culturally competent strategies for improving the treatment of African Americans with mental health problems are addressed. Also, transformation/community empowerment development for African American communities is discussed regarding empowering others for bringing about political and social policy changes for improving the lives of African Americans.