Mental Health, Race and Culture

Book excerpt: This powerful text offers a unique analysis of the impact of race and culture on contemporary issues in mental health. Drawing on extensive international experience, Fernando challenges the traditional ideas that inform practice in clinical psychology and psychiatry in order to promote new and alternative ways of thinking. Covering both theoretical perspectives and practical implications, this insightful text discusses perceptions of ethnicity and identity, compares practices around the world and looks at racism in mental health services. This fully revised, expanded and updated edition of a seminal text offers students and practitioners alike a comprehensive and reliable study of both western and non-western psychiatry and mental health practices. New to this Edition: - Covers trauma and psychosocial support - Looks at the new discourses in mental health of recovery, spirituality and well-being - Examines the mental health of refugees - Refers to specific developments in low-income countries, including Asia and Africa