Addressing the social problems associated with trauma and mental health amongst African Americans in urban environments, this book uses an African-centered lens to critique the most common practice models and interventions currently employed by social workers in the field.
Divided into four parts and grounded in traditional African cultural values, it argues that basic key values in a new clinical model for mental health diagnosis are:
- A spiritual component
- Collective/group approach
- Focus on wholeness
- Oneness with Nature
- Emphasis on truth, justice, balance, harmony, reciprocity, righteousness, and order
Being free from racism, sexism, classism, and other forms of oppression, this African-centered approach is crucial for working with people of African origin who experience daily "trauma" through adverse living conditions.
This book will be key reading on any practice and direct service course at both BSW and MSW level and will be a useful supplement on clinical courses as well as those aimed at working with diverse populations and those living in urban environments.
About the Author: Rhonda Wells-Wilbon, DSW, LICSW, LCSW-C is a tenured Associate Professor and former Chair, Master of Social Work Program. She currently serves as a faculty member in the PhD Program, School of Social Work, Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD. She is Founder and CEO of Rhonda Wilbon Consulting LLC and Co-Founder of Empowered Wellness LLC. Her professional articles have appeared in several journals. Dr Wilbon has contributed to the professional literature with training curriculums, research reports, conference presentations, and book chapters. Her primary practice and research areas include domestic violence and adult survivors of child sexual abuse and sexual assault.
Anthony Estreet, Ph.D., LICSW, is a tenured Associate Professor and Chair of the Addiction area of specialized practice in the Master of Social Work Program, School of Social Work, Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD. He is the CEO/Executive Director of a behavioral health consulting and treatment center - Next Step Treatment Center, LLC. Fueled by his strong desire to address health and mental health disparities through policy and practice efforts, he continues to develop key partnerships with various community-based organizations, hospitals, and universities across the United States and globally to provide ongoing training and technical assistance focused on improving behavioral health treatment-related outcomes.
