The Role of Faith Based Therapy in Treating Depression in African Americans

Master's Thesis from the year 2011 in the subject Psychology - Consulting, Therapy, grade: A, Walden University (Public Health), language: English, abstract: The purpose of this critical literature review study is to review the existing research related to faith-based counseling and its specific use for treating depression symptoms among African American adults. Forty-seven peer-reviewed articles from the professional literature were selected for review based on relevance to African Americans and faith based organizations. Results of the review indicated the need to critically evaluate efficacy of faith-based programs based on scientifically determined outcomes. The implications for positive social change include increased access to affordable healthcare in a trusting environment, decreased prevalence rates for depression in African Americans, and reduction in disparities in mental healthcare delivery.

Current research has indicated that there are disparities in mental healthcare treatment that are affecting African Americans. The literature has not strongly supported the use of spiritual leaders as counselors primarily because of a lack of certification in mental health counseling among clergy. However, the literature has shown that religious faith can have a positive effect on quality of life.