Focuses on mental health needs of Black families. Describes importance of systemic theoretical orientation and delineates five critical issues counselors must consider: historic perspective, social support systems, values, communication barriers, and strategies for effective therapy. (ABL)

Explores multiple and dynamic intersections of gender with race, culture, and class in psychosocial identity formation to minimize the risk of homogenizing or polarizing understanding of these characteristics. Seeks to promote dialogue among helping professionals concerning the pivotal role of these simultaneous intersections in affecting clients'…

Black adults (n=53) using services at Afro-American Community Center read bogus resumes and letters of application and completed the Cultural Mistrust Inventory, the Counselor Effectiveness Rating Scale, and the Self-Disclosure Scale with regard to a White counselor. Found a direct relationship between mistrust of Whites in general and perceptions…