Understanding the practitioner’s role in the therapeutic setting: working with youth that identify as Black or African American and LGBT

This systematic review aimed to find responses for practitioners to better engage in the therapeutic setting with multiple minority youth that identify as LGBT Black or African American. These multiple minority populations are at high risk for mental health. A systematic review analyzed data using grounded theory. Twelve articles categorized data within the ecological framework: micro, mezzo, and macro levels. For practitioners to better engage with LGBT Black or African American youth in the therapeutic setting, responses were found in all three levels of the ecological framework. Dominant responses for social work practitioners to better engage in the therapeutic setting included using intersectionality theory, understanding resiliency and coping skills, assessing and educating on sexual and racial bias in communities and schools, leading community and school based groups, challenging cultural norms and policies, and advocating for policy change specific to the client population.