Systematic Racism: Racial Disparities in Mental Health during COVID-19

Abstract

Systemic racism exacerbates the adverse impacts of social determinants of health, causing health disparities for African Americans. The COVID-19 pandemic's effect on communities of color has provided more attention and respect to African Americans' need for mental health care. This conceptual article explores COVID-19 and systemic racism disproportionately affecting African Americans' mental health and psychological well-being. The article also provides recommendations for counselor educators and mental health professionals to combat the problem.