Racism and African American Mental Health: Using Cognitive Behavior Therapy to Empower Healing

Racism and African American Mental Health examines the psychological impacts of racism within the African American community and offers a culturally adapted model of cognitive behavior therapy for more culturally relevant case conceptualization and treatment planning with this population. Readers of this text will gain a greater understanding of how manifestations of racism contribute to the development of psychological distress among African Americans and learn specific strategies to address the negative automatic thoughts and maladaptive beliefs that develop in response to racism. Reflection questions and guided practice are incorporated throughout the text to assist readers with application of the strategies discussed in their own clinical settings.

Janeé M. Steele, PhD, is a licensed professional counselor, counselor educator, and diplomate of the Academy of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies. Dr. Steele is also the owner of Kalamazoo Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy, PLLC, where she provides therapy, supervision, and training in CBT, and coauthor of Black Lives Are Beautiful: 50 Tools to Heal from Trauma and Promote Positive Racial Identity.