BLACK CLIENTS: FAMILY STRUCTURES, THERAPEUTIC ISSUES, AND STRENGTHS

Providing effective therapeutic services to black clients has been a dilemma to therapists and agencies of the predominantly white culture. The overriding influence of the heterogeneity of family structures in the black community creates diverse perceptions on the parts of black clients depending upon the childhood family patterns in which they were raised. Alternative modes of therapeutic treatment are presented such as outreach family enrichment programs through community mental health centers delivered at black churches, treatment by psychologically trained black ministers, child-rearing groups sponsored by schools using proven child-rearing "stars" from the black community, home-visiting programs for mothers of young children and for mothers of preteens and teenagers. The coping strategies and strengths of black families can be emulated by the majority culture.