Chapter 10 - Mental Health Assessment and Treatment of African Americans: A Multicultural Perspective

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the use of multicultural mental health theory and practices in the assessment and treatment of African Americans. Multicultural practices for African Americans advocate for more studies on African Americans so as to better understand their history, and to add to the growing body of knowledge on African Americans and their families, children, dialects, ideas, customs, practices, beliefs, worldviews, problems of living, health and mental health risks, as well as their strengths and potentialities. It also advocates for an understanding of factors that contributes to dysfunction and maladjustment in African Americans and an understanding of positive factors that lead to competency, self-reliance, responsibility, healthy growth and development, and the pursuit of happiness in them. There should also be development of models, measures, practices, and clinical techniques appropriate and acceptable for African Americans in addition to the use of traditional therapies. Preventive strategies should be implemented to reduce high rates of pathology, maladjustment, discontent, and dysfunction where they are found and negative risk factors associated with criminal behavior, substance abuse and dependence, violence, and the like should be identified among African Americans. African Americans, particularly those who suffer from poor mental health, from poverty, from depression, from apathy, hopelessness, helplessness, high crime rates, violence, poor schools and the like, should be empowered with the help of scientifically derived knowledge that would enable them to live better lives. Finally, existing mental health system should be strengthened for them with the continuation of research and development on new system of delivery that includes the prevention of social problem related to mental health, as well as inventions that ameliorate and rehabilitate those affiliated with mental and emotional problems and disorders.