Guide to Anti-Racist Books and Resources

A large body of research has established a causal relationship between experiences of racial discrimination and adverse effects on mental and physical health. This book offers a manual for mental health professionals on how to understand, assess, and treat the effects of racism as a psychological injury. It provides guidance on how to recognize the psychological effects of racism and racial discrimination, and details how to evaluate the specific effects of race-based encounters that produce psychological distress and possibly impairment or trauma. The authors outline therapeutic interventions for use with individuals and groups who have experienced racial trauma, and they draw attention to the importance of racial awareness for practitioners. The book features a racial-trauma assessment toolkit, including a race-based traumatic-stress symptoms scale and interview schedule.

This book explores the intersection of law and legal theory with psychological research and practice. In Part I, the historical and current underpinnings of racial injustice and the obstacles to combating racism are introduced. Part II examines the documented psychological and emotional effects of racism, including race-based traumatic stress. Part III analyzes the application of forensic mental health assessment in addressing race-related experiences and present a legal and policy framework for reforming institutional and organizational policies. Finally, in part IV the authors advocate for a close, collaborative approach among legal and mental health professionals and their clients to seek redress for racial discrimination.