To circumvent the disproportionately low number of persons of African descent in psychology, this study offers strategies for recruiting and retaining Black students and professionals. Data for this study were collected from 44 Black students and 3 Black faculty. Participants responded to questions that inquired about their perspectives regarding (a) effective recruitment and retention strategies, (b) being the vast minority in school/work settings, and (c) counselor race-ethnicity. Data were analyzed using the grounded theory constant comparative analysis approach. This study contributes to all psychology fields in at least two ways: first in its presentation of innovative strategies that have the potential to enhance racial-ethnic diversity in psychology and second in its presentation of insights that may improve the mental and behavioral health services provided to diverse people. While the need for greater diversity is highlighted for the school psychology subfield, it is noted that psychology in general is in need. Additionally, though the study pays greater attention to student concerns, all the findings also factor into postgraduate life. Recommendations for future research are offered.

This article examines the effects of the institutional legacy of African slavery on the utilization of health services among Blacks. Religiosity, spirituality, and apprehension of Eurocentric institutions are discussed as both potential causes of underutilization of health services by Blacks and effects of past and present economic repression and societal oppression. Two new theories within Black studies discourse are introduced: internal pseudo-harmony and interracial dissonance. Terrell and Terrell’s notion of cultural mistrust is also utilized in introducing the interracial dissonance theory. Implications and recommendations are offered to healthcare providers, health advocates, and the Black community. Healthcare providers are urged to support religious and spiritual beliefs as sources of resilience and a way to link the Black community to healthcare institutions.

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