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Articles
VOLUME 2, NUMBER 1, 2025
#MentalHealthMatters: A Commentary on Therapists as Content Creators
Bryaunah J. R. Heckard
Social media has played an undeniable role in the reshaping of how members of the Black community view the concepts of mental health and the mental health field. Discords and comment sections have created a sort of group connection through vulnerable parasocial relationships that seemingly affirm acceptance and understanding between those who may have experienced symptoms of mental and emotional distress. While social media outlets, such as Facebook have broadened the average individual’s understanding of mental health, should there be some concern with social media becoming the unofficial pro bono version of telehealth? This commentary article takes a look at the impact that social media has had in the mental health field and how therapists are utilizing their online presence to aid their community. This article references the ethical obligations of the American therapist based on the American Counseling Association Code of Ethics and how these obligations are being upheld with the therapist’s online presence. Finally, this commentary weighs out the pros and cons of therapists
having an online presence and how it affects the professional relationship between client and counsel and the integrity of the mental health profession. In conclusion, this article affirms that the presence of therapists and mental health professionals alike on social media platforms, such as TikTok and YouTube, has been a positive experience and continues to help both raise awareness about the very real existence of mental health impairments while providing accurate information and resources for those that may be confused or disenfranchised to receive accurate health. Additionally, this commentary recognizes the ethical lines that need to be adhered to regarding professionals reminding the public that their social presence is not a substitute for a
substantial professional relationship with a licensed therapist
Dr. Malik Raheem, Dr. Renee Starr
This study employs Critical Race Theory (CRT) and Afro-pessimism as foundational frameworks to investigate racial microaggressions and racial battle fatigue experienced by Black Counselor Educators and Rehabilitation Counselor Educators. Through semi-structured interviews with nine participants, the study identifies the pervasive impact of racial microaggressions in CACREP and CORE-accredited programs. Purposeful sampling was utilized to recruit participants, and gender differences in exposure to racial microaggressions and racial battle fatigue were also examined. The findings highlight four primary themes: (a) tokenism, (b) microinsults, (c) microinvalidations, and (d) feelings of invisibility and hyper-visibility. The implications of these findings for institutional practices and limitations of the study are discussed.
Keywords: microaggressions, faculty, staff, institution
Perceived Cultural Competence of White and Minority Counselors Working with Black Clients
Dr. Damion Davis, Dr. Sam Bore, Dr. Timothy A. Brown, Dr. Lavelle Hendricks, Dr. Dimitra Smith, Dr. Delarious O. Stewart,
Dr. Karl Mitchell
The counseling outcomes of Black Americans have been observed to be less efficacious than those of their White counterparts. In order to gain a deeper understanding of this disparity, an investigation was conducted to assess the self-identified cultural competence of licensed professional counselors in Texas, both White and non-White, who provide counseling services to Black clients. The findings reveal that White counselors perceive themselves to be less competent when working with Black clients in comparison to their non-White counterparts. This study provides insights into the implications for counseling, including the need for strategies to address the topic of race in counseling sessions and its limitations.
Keywords: cultural competence, colorblindness, microaggressions, Black, race, therapeutic relationship.
Dr. Kendric D. Stewart, Dr. Delarious O. Stewart, Dr. Lavelle Hendricks, Dr. Dimitra Smith, Dr. James L. Maiden
This study explores the intersection of environmental justice and mental health disparities in Washington Parish, Louisiana, focusing on the roles of counselors, psychologists, and community leaders in driving systemic change. Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and statistical modeling, the research identifies entrenched environmental racism, with predominantly Black and low-income communities disproportionately situated near polluting industries. Key findings show strong correlations between proximity to polluters and the percentage of Black residents (r = 0.72) and poverty rates (r = 0.63), exacerbating anxiety, depression, and stress-related disorders. The study advocates for interdisciplinary collaboration, integrating culturally competent mental health care, trauma-informed practices, and community- led resilience programs. It underscores the need to embed mental health into environmental policies and leverage advocacy for equitable policymaking, offering a pathway to empower marginalized communities and advance justice-driven transformation.
Keywords: Environmental Justice, Mental Health Disparities, Environmental Racism, Advocacy, Social Transformation
VOLUME 1, NUMBER 1, 2024
Dr. Christian Henry, Dr. Lavelle Hendricks
African American males in the United States experience an elevated risk of police brutality, which contributes to increased levels of anxiety and psychological distress. This study explores how potential encounters with police affect the mental health of educated, middle-class African American men by examining their personal perceptions. A qualitative, phenomenological approach was employed, involving focus groups with five educated, middle-class African American men who responded to structured questions about their experiences and perspectives regarding police interactions. The findings indicate that these men perceive police presence as overwhelmingly negative, which, in turn, negatively impacts their mental health. This research highlights the psychological burden associated with anticipated or past encounters with police and emphasizes the need for further examination of mental health outcomes within this demographic.
Keywords : African American males, middle-class, educated, police brutality, mental health
Beats, Rhymes, and Risks: Exploring the Influence of Hip-Hop Media Consumption and Gender on Adolescent Substance Use
Dr. Delarious O. Stewart, Dr. James Maiden
This study examines the relationship between hip-hop media consumption and adolescent substance use, revealing significant gender-based differences. Male students reported higher substance use, particularly when consuming hip-hop content extensively. These findings highlight the importance of culturally relevant interventions, such as hip-hop therapy, to promote healthier behaviors among adolescents.
Keywords : Hip hop culture, Adolescent behaviors, Substance usage patterns, Gender difference in adolescent substance usage
Dr. Ajitha Chandrika Prasanna Kumaran, Margarita Ryerkerk
In this systematic content analysis of the International Journal of Eating Disorders (IJED) between the years of January 2019 and September 2023, the researchers examined the literature published on using telehealth, apps, and social networking sites to help clients with eating disorders. The researchers focused on the frequency of the articles, methodology, online delivery modality, interventions, and eating disorders. Implications and future research recommendations are directed toward counselors, supervisors, and counselor educators.
Keywords: telehealth, eating disorder, cognitive-behavior-therapy, content analysis
Deadly Fentanyl: Knowledge and Impact on African Americans Living In Rural East Texas
Dr. LaVelle Hendricks, Dr. Dimitra Smith, Dr. Marcella Smith, Dr. Christian Henry, Dr. Laneshia Roland, Dr. Faye Barner,
Dr. Michael Schmit
Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, has evolved as a deadly public health threat due to its potency and a lack of knowledge among its users. Fentanyl was developed to serve as an effective treatment for pain management. The drug is approximately 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine. Its misuse has soared, contributing to a dramatic increase in opioid overdose deaths, particularly in the United States. Fentanyl is mixed with other substances, creating the dangerous drug, as users may be unaware of its presence and concentration. Using the Brief Opioid Overdose Knowledge (BOOK) questionnaire, this article examines the knowledge and use of this drug by African Americans in Rural East Texas. *It is essential to note that the terms Black and African American will be used interchangeably throughout this study to remain true to the authors of the citations included.
Keywords: Fentanyl, knowledge, overdose, rural area, African Americans
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Workforce and Mathematics
Dr. Shannon Solis, Dr. Gregory Newman, Dr. Tonya Cooper
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been a game-changer in various fields, including the work force and mathematics. This scholarly study will explore the origins of AI’s first generation, focusing on key contributors, workforce impact, and how AI technology can enhance mathematics.
Keywords: artificial intelligence, workforce, mathematics, geometry
A Darker Perspective: Reflective Insights on the Shadow, Collective Consciousness and Spirituality Beyond Dream Analysis for BIPOC Communities
Dr. Andrusa Lawson
This article examines the relevance of dreamwork and psycho spiritual approaches for people of color in the Americas, contrasting them with Western mental health frameworks. We explore how these approaches might offer valuable insights for BIPOC communities, addressing collective shadows and systemic issues with a focus on integration rather than destructive patterns of behavior. We analyze the intersection of concepts such as karma and intergenerational trauma with modern psychological theories, highlighting Tibetan perspectives on dreamwork that align with psychoanalytic approaches. Furthermore, we critique Western
scientific materialism& reductionist focus and the marginalization of indigenous wisdom in favor of Western systems, emphasizing the need to decolonize knowledge and embrace diverse methodologies. Additionally, the article addresses the stigma surrounding mental health services in BIPOC communities, which is rooted in historical dehumanization and exclusion from mainstream care, advocating for culturally competent approaches and the integration of alternative dreamwork methodologies to better serve these communities.
Keywords: BIPOC, Consciousness, Darkness, Dream Analysis, Dreamwork, Integration, Karma, Shadow Work, Spirituality
This qualitative phenomenological study examines the experiences of African American pastors providing non-licensed counseling for race-related mental health issues. Through interviews with ten pastors, the research explores how these leaders balance spiritual guidance and informal counseling to support congregants impacted by systemic Racism. While pastors rely on scripture, prayer, and spiritual practices to address mental health concerns, they recognize their limitations in managing complex psychological disorders. Key themes include the effects of systemic Racism on mental wellbeing, the role of spirituality in fostering resilience, the stigma
surrounding mental health in African American communities, and the need for collaboration with mental health professionals. This study offers practical recommendations to bridge the gap between faith-based counseling and professional services by promoting partnerships, mental health training for pastors, and culturally competent care. The findings emphasize the vital role pastors play in offering culturally relevant support and highlight the importance of integrating pastoral care with licensed mental health services to enhance mental health outcomes in African American communities.
Keywords: African American pastors, race-related mental health, spirituality, mental health stigma, pastoral care, cultural competence
Dr. Brian Sutton, Dr. James L. Maiden, Dr. Delarious O. Stewart
Evelyn Brown , DeMarquis Hayes
The purpose of this study was to explore perceptions of gender roles and potential conflict with those roles in both male and female college students. This study examined gender and ethnic differences in gender role conflict and levels of masculine and feminine expression. The research questions addressed in this paper were: (a) Do men have greater gender role conflict than women? (b) Do men have greater masculine expression while women have greater masculine-feminine expression? Results indicated that men experienced greater levels of gender role conflict than women, but the only significant difference was on the Restrictive Affectionate Behavior between Men Factor. Further analysis revealed that the difference on this factor was due to White men having higher gender role conflict levels than White women. Although patterns of mean differences emerged for masculine and feminine expression none of these differences were statistically significant. Implications are discussed.
Keywords: gender roles, gender role conflict, masculine and feminine expression
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