VOLUME 1, NUMBER 1, 2026

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Let My People Go: Breaking the Chains of Psychological Slavery in Counselor Education

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This article reframes findings from a 2013 quantitative ANCOVA study on counselor competence with lesbian, gay, and bisexual clients through a Black liberation lens, integrating 2023–2025 research in Black mental health and liberation psychology. The original study analyzed data from 89 master’s-level counselors-in-training in CACREP-accredited programs,revealing that specific education, direct clinical experience, and affirming personal relationships
predicted competence. Using liberation psychology, this manuscript argues that similarpredictors—rooted in lived experience and culturally responsive education—are essential forracial competence in counseling. It examines how colonized counselor education perpetuatespsychological oppression against Black and Brown communities, reinforced by religious dogma,institutional racism, and supervisory gatekeeping. This synthesis blends empirical evidence with
an uncompromising call for systemic change, offering a 12–24-month roadmap for programs todecolonize curricula, integrate Afrocentric frameworks, and hold faculty accountable forliberation-centered pedagogy. By bridging quantitative data, lived experience, and contemporary scholarship, the piece positions liberation as both an ethical minimum and a professional imperative for counselor educators, supervisors, and accrediting bodies committed to equity and justice.

Keywords: Black liberation, counselor education, ANCOVA, racial competence, decolonizing
curricula

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Counseling College Students in a Globalized, Multicultural Era: Centering the Experiences of Black Students and Students of Color

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Dr .Kemmel Palmer

 

This study examines the intersection of multiculturalism, globalization, and diversity in college counseling, with particular attention to the experiences of Black students and other historically underrepresented groups. Through triangulated research incorporating student focus groups, this investigation identifies systemic barriers—including stigma, lack of culturally representative counselors, and insufficient outreach—that significantly impede help-seeking behaviors among students of color. Conversely, the research illuminates cultural assets these students bring to campus environments, including family and peer networks, spirituality, and community-based coping mechanisms. Findings reveal that traditional Western, Eurocentric counseling models inadequately address the complex needs of culturally diverse student populations navigating acculturative stress, racial trauma, and intersecting identities. The study proposes a comprehensive framework integrating multicultural competence development, equity-centered policies, and culturally affirmative practices within institutional counseling services. Recommendations include diversifying counseling staff, implementing culturally specific programming, establishing peer mentorship initiatives, and transforming reactive counseling models into proactive, preventative approaches. By centering student voices and examining global counseling implications, this research advances a culturally sustaining counseling paradigm that promotes both academic and emotional success for all students in an increasingly interconnected world.

 

Keywords: multicultural counseling, Black college students, cultural competence, globalization, mental health equity, culturally responsive practice

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Fighting to Rest: Exploring Cultural, Spiritual, and Community-Based Responses to Anxiety in Black Women

 

Dr.Taneshia Greenidge ,Dr. Brittney King, Dr.Taimyr Strachan-Louidor, Dr. Sheron Davenport, Dr.DeKayla Thomas, Dr. Melanie Burgess, Dr.Tera Warfield.

 

Black women in the United States experience disproportionately high rates of anxiety, yet their mental health needs remain overlooked within counseling research and practice. This paper explores cultural, spiritual, and community-based responses to anxiety, centering protective factors such as self-esteem and spirituality as vital sources of resilience, coping, and meaning-making. Drawing on Intersectionality, Black Feminist Thought, and the Multicultural and Social Justice Counseling Competencies (MSJCC), the paper situates anxiety within the broader context of systemic inequities, cultural stigma, and the “Strong Black Woman” narrative. Evidence-based practices, including narrative therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), polyvagal-informed strategies, and mindfulness adapted to Black diasporic traditions, are considered alongside community-based supports such as Sister Circles and faith-based outreach. The paper concludes with implications for clinicians, and community stakeholders, and calls for future qualitative and participatory research that amplifies and centers Black women’s lived experiences with anxiety.

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Keywords:  Black women, anxiety, self-esteem, spirituality, culturally responsive counseling, community-based interventions

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VOLUME 3, NUMBER 1, 2025

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Soldiers to Students: An Examination of Veterans’ Transition to College

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Dr. Gregory Harris, Dr. Randolph Burnside, Dr. Neffisatu Celestine Dambo, Dr. Dimitra Smith,
Dr. LaVelle Hendricks, Dr. Anthony Harris.

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A large number of veterans enroll in universities annually. Nevertheless, ongoing questions exist regarding how veterans adjust to on-campus environments, maintain work-life-school balance, multicultural interactions, and transitions to traditional classroom structures. The authors present a quantitative study conducted with college veterans (N = 124) in the Midwest. Researchers examined factors impacting veterans’ transitions to higher education and participants' evaluation of university services affecting their structural, social, and cultural integration on campus. Researchers found student veterans experienced transitional challenges affecting their campus integration. Student veterans reported universities initiated minimal contact and shared that they experienced transitional adjustments concerning academic-work-life-family balance. Students need additional supports and improved university services.

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Keywords: college veterans, transitions, college resources.

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VOLUME 2, NUMBER 1, 2025
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Compassion Fatigue and Compassion Satisfaction: Examining the Impact of Years Employed and Work Conditions Among Mental Health Professionals in the Central Mississippi

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Dr. Ahfiya J. Howard, Dr. Candace L. Riddley , Dr. Marcella Smith , Dr. Mark W. Cunningham Jr,
Jonna Smith , Dr. Marta A. Mercado-Sierra.

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This study investigates the impact of work conditions and years working as a mental health professional on compassion fatigue and satisfaction in Central Mississippi. A convenience sample of 91 licensed and certified mental health professionals completed a questionnaire. The findings suggest that compassion satisfaction tends to increase over time working in the field, while workers with the least time in the field stand a higher chance of being exposed to secondary traumatic stress. Despite workers reporting a workload increase since 2017, there were no significant findings about budget reductions and policy changes. The implications of these findings for compassion fatigue prevention and health policy are of paramount importance and will be discussed.

 

Keywords: compassion fatigue, secondary traumatic stress, burnout, compassion satisfaction, community-based mental health center

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Multicultural Competency in Counselor Education: How Training and Experience Matter
 

Dr. Desiree Stephens, Dr. LaVelle Hendricks, Dr. Sam Bore. 

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Multicultural teaching competency among counselor educators remains an underexplored but vital area within counselor training and development. While multicultural competence has been extensively studied among counseling students and practitioners, less attention has been given to the educators responsible for shaping these competencies. This study investigated whether specific individual or combined factors predict multicultural teaching skills and knowledge among counselor educators. Factors examined included marginalized group membership, year of doctoral graduation, completion of a CACREP-accredited program, participation in multicultural counseling courses, and scores on the Multicultural Awareness, Knowledge, and Skills Survey-Counselor Edition-Revised (MAKSS-CE-R). Data were collected from 115 counselor educators across CACREP-accredited programs using a quantitative correlational design with multiple regression analysis. Findings indicated that counseling competence, as measured by the MAKSS-CE-R, was a significant predictor of multicultural teaching skills and knowledge, while marginalized group membership significantly predicted multicultural teaching knowledge. Implications for counselor education, accreditation standards, and future research directions are discussed.

 

 

Keywords : Multicultural competencies; counselor educators; multicultural teaching; counselor education; CACREP standards; multicultural training

 

 

 

 

#MentalHealthMatters: A Commentary on Therapists as Content Creators

 

 

​Bryaunah J. R. Heckard

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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

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Black Counselor Educators Perceptions of Racial Microaggressions: Critical Race Theory and Racial Battle Fatigue 

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Dr. Malik Raheem, Dr. Renee Starr. 

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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  

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Perceived Cultural Competence of White and Minority Counselors Working with Black Clients 

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Dr. Damion Davis, Dr. Sam Bore, Dr. Timothy A. Brown, Dr. Lavelle Hendricks, Dr. Dimitra Smith, Dr. Delarious O. Stewart,

Dr. Karl Mitchell.

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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.

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Environmental Justice and Mental Health: The Psychological Impact of Pollution on Marginalized Communities in Washington Parish, Louisiana

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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

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VOLUME 1, NUMBER 1, 2024​​​

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THE MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES ASSOCIATED WITH EDUCATED MIDDLE CLASS AFRICAN AMERICAN MALES’ PERCEPTIONS OF POTENTIAL POLICE BRUTALITY: A QUALITATIVE INQUIRY

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Dr. Christian Henry, Dr. Lavelle Hendricks.

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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

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Beats, Rhymes, and Risks: Exploring the Influence of Hip-Hop Media Consumption and Gender on Adolescent Substance Use

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Dr. Delarious O. Stewart, Dr. James Maiden.

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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.

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Keywords : Hip hop culture, Adolescent behaviors, Substance usage patterns, Gender difference in adolescent substance usage

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Five-year Content Analysis of The International Journal of Eating Disorders: Interventions for Eating Disorders

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Dr. Ajitha Chandrika Prasanna Kumaran, Margarita Ryerkerk.

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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

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​Deadly Fentanyl: Knowledge and Impact on African Americans Living In Rural East Texas

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Dr. LaVelle Hendricks, Dr. Dimitra Smith, Dr. Marcella Smith, Dr. Christian Henry, Dr. Laneshia Roland, Dr. Faye Barner,

Dr. Michael Schmit

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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.

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Keywords: Fentanyl, knowledge, overdose, rural area, African Americans

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The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Workforce and Mathematics

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Dr. Shannon Solis, Dr. Gregory Newman, Dr. Tonya Cooper.

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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

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A Darker Perspective: Reflective Insights on the Shadow, Collective Consciousness and Spirituality Beyond Dream Analysis for BIPOC Communities

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Dr. Brian Sutton, Dr. James L. Maiden, Dr. Delarious O. Stewart.

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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

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Navigating the Crossroads: Lived Experiences of African American Pastors Providing Non-Licensed Counseling for Race-Related Mental Health Issues

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Dr. Brian Sutton

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​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