Book Review: Blackness Interrupted: Black Psychology Matters
“Ethnic minorities are more likely to experience risk factors such as poverty and poor health that ultimately spark mental health issues. Yet, only 1 in 3 African Americans who need mental health care receives it.”
Originally Posted on May 4, 2021
Blackness Interrupted: Black Psychology Matters is a book that addresses the gaps in psychology in relation to the Black experience. This book covers the steps to becoming a therapist, the need for more diverse, inclusive, and equitable mental healthcare for Black Americans, Black Psychology history, and self-care tips. This book is important to me because I believe that everyone should have access to individualized healthcare, including mental health.
This book was eye-opening and inspiring. As a Black woman from the rural, Deep South, I have first-hand experience with the racist and sexist barriers to obtaining adequate and higher education. I have also seen the impact of the inaccurate mental health stigma in our community. Blackness Interrupted: Black Psychology Matters put words to my own experiences and the experiences of other Black Americans. I think everyone should read this book regardless of their background. I believe one should know this knowledge, and they may connect with a mentioned topic.
I do not have extensive psychological training, but as a primary health care provider, the knowledge given in this book can help guide me towards more diverse, inclusive, and equitable care for my patients. More so, I think this book would be beneficial to all health care providers, mental health providers, therapists, or anyone who remotely or directly deals with the mental health of Black Americans. It was alarming to see the lack of therapists of color in America, yet people of color tend to need the services often due to several societal constructs. These societal constructs are often not understood by those who are have not lived with similar upbringings. Therefore, there is a need for more Black therapists and therapists of color to service people with similar backgrounds.
I enjoyed the history of Blacks who made an impact on psychology. These short history lessons were enough to support the need for expanded textbooks beginning in primary schools.
Overall, I encourage you to read this book. I learned so much, but I do not want to spoil it for you. In closing, as mentioned in the book, " Do not be afraid to ask questions and research more about the assessments you are given." Take charge of your health care, ask questions, and seek help.
*I was given this book for free to review by the authors.
You can purchase the book on Kindle or Paperback below.
Peace, Love, & Light,
Tamera Gittens was born in Brooklyn, New York, on July 5, 1994, enveloped by her family's Trinidadian culture. TShe obtained her Bachelor's degree in Forensic Psychology at John Jay College and then obtained her Master's degree in School Counseling at New York University. SShe is currently at Medaille College finishing up her second Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling and works as a Behavior Specialist, identifying and assisting individuals and families in accessing needed preventive and primary health care services as well as evaluating patient outcomes and progress toward achieving objectives and goals of the care plan.
Nicόl Osborne was born in Brooklyn, New York, on January 8, 1994. She is of Trinidadian and Grenadian descent. Nicol obtained two Associate degrees; A.S in Pre Med Biology and A.A in Psychology at OCCC. Nicόl obtained her Bachelor's degree in Forensic Psychology at John Jay College and then obtained her Master's degree in Social Work at Fordham University. Nicόl is currently working on a PsyD doctorate in clinical psychology at Southern California University. Nicόl is currently working as a Researcher helping with the COVID-19 pandemic and as a Therapist. She is currently obtaining her predoctoral hours (Practicum and Internship) in Hawaii; she hopes to conduct her postdoctoral hours there as well.
*taken from Amazon author page