Engaging in Crucial Collaborations with Clinicians: Attending to Black Young Adult Mental Health and Well-being Open Access

Abstract

Although mental health has become more prevalent and widely discussed on social media, mainstream media, and in Black churches, African American young adults are still the least likely to seek mental health assistance. This issue stems from mental health stigma, religious and theological beliefs, financial insecurity, and the rising cost of mental health care. Due to many factors, Black young adults between the ages of 18 and 34 are receiving mental health care at a disproportionate rate compared to other races and age groups. Historically, Black churches were the cornerstone of the African American community. To ease the effects of discrimination, racism, and economic instability, Black churches provided imperative resources to African American families. Black churches were the institutions that African American communities relied on for support and assistance. Further, Black clergy and pastors were historically the most trusted people in Black communities. Since the Civil Rights era, African Americans have confided in and received counseling from Black clergy and pastors. These dynamics also continue today. Due to the past and present status of Black churches and clergy, Black churches are in a position to collaborate with clinicians to provide safe and compassionate mental health care for African American young adults. This thesis explores how Black churches can continue to alleviate concerns for African Americans by collaborating with clinicians to provide mental health resources for Black young adults. 

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School	Candler School of Theology
Department	Ministry
Degree	DMin
Submission	Dissertation
Language	English
Research Field	Theology
Keyword	clinicians Black church Black young adult stigma mental health mental health stigma Black emerging adult church-based program
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Roger Nam, Emory University
Committee Members	Damon Williams, Emory University

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