Behavioral Health Service Delivery with African Americans

Although African Americans experience similar prevalence rates for most mental health conditions compared to other racial groups, their symptoms are often more severe. Lack of access to treatment and poor quality mental health care are contributing factors and pose a serious public health concern. This chapter will review the intersection of history, culture, and experiential factors that impact behavioral health service delivery in African American communities. Disparities in the diagnosis of mental health disorders, variations in symptomology, and clinical assessment considerations are discussed as well. This chapter reviews the challenges African Americans face when accessing treatment and quality care, as well providing as a comprehensive examination of clinical considerations when facilitating treatment. This chapter highlights the needs of the African American community while providing education and actionable steps to address the complex issue of mental health disparities. Recommended resources and future directions to improve the delivery of behavioral health services are provided.