ABSTRACT

This chapter presents a summary of historical ideas relating to race and mental health and discusses evidence and theory relating to racist thought and practice within psychiatric services, counselling and psychotherapy. In comparison to white clients, black clients are more likely to be compulsorily detained in mental health units, are more likely to be diagnosed with psychosis and are less likely to be referred for milder forms of treatment in the form of psychotherapy. A client of European origin may explain their feelings of depression at the loss of a loved one in mentalistic terms, such as in thoughts of hopelessness and self-blame. In order to address some of the issues identified within UK psychiatric services, the government and several allied organisations have undertaken a number of initiatives to reduce disparities in mental health care for black and ethnic minorities and to improve overall mental health outcomes.