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Abstract
African Americans experience mental illness at a rate similar to White individuals but are less likely to seek professional mental health care. African Americans have traditionally turned to the Black church for mental health assistance. Various organizations have created mental health resources for clergy members, with varying levels of comprehensiveness. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore how African American clergy perceived the cultural relevance and usefulness of the American Psychiatric Association Foundation’s Mental Health Guide for Faith Leaders. The study was conducted using critical race theory as its theoretical framework. Four experienced clergy participated in two focus groups with open-ended questions as a guide. Participants’ comments were coded and analyzed for emerging themes, which included (a) trauma, (b) challenges to addressing mental health, (c) help-seeking behavior, (d) definition of culture, (e) cultural relevance, (f) clergy suggestions, and (g) clergy mental health. Findings may be used for positive social change by creating culturally relevant training and resources to support African American clergy in addressing unmet mental health needs within the African American community.
