Intersectional Perspectives of Black Women’s Mental Health: Strategies for Clinical Training

Abstract

Drawing from Black Feminist scholarship, researchers highlight the importance of utilizing an intersectional approach in understanding Black women’s experiences. Multicultural and social justice oriented clinical training must discuss Black women’s gendered racial identity, the influence of gendered racial oppression, and the role of gendered racial socialization in Black women’s self-concept and mental health. Discussed herein are critical issues related to the multifaceted nature of Black women’s identities, suggestions for incorporating intersectional pedagogy around Black women’s mental health in clinical training, and a clinical case study to assist graduate trainees in applying intersectional understanding to their work with Black women.

Keywords:

• Black women
• graduate clinical training
• intersectionality
• multicultural training
• social justice