Introduction to the Special Issue: Advancing Racial Justice in Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology

Area of Science:

• Child and Adolescent Psychology
• Racial Justice in Mental Health
• Health Disparities

Background:

• Racial and ethnic disparities in mental health care access and quality are prevalent among U.S. youth.
• Marginalized youth experience greater challenges in initiating and sustaining mental health treatment.
• Addressing racial injustice is critical within clinical child and adolescent psychology.

Approach:

• This special issue examines opportunities and responsibilities for mental health professionals, educators, and researchers to promote racial justice.
• Barriers and solutions are analyzed across structural, institutional, and practice-based levels.
• Strategies for diversifying the field and increasing representation of marginalized practitioners are discussed.

Key Points:

• Racial injustice in child and adolescent psychology leads to significant disparities in mental health care.
• Systemic, institutional, and practice-level factors create barriers for marginalized youth.
• Diversifying the field is essential for equitable mental health services.

Conclusions:

• Moving the field toward greater racial justice requires a multi-faceted approach.
• Recommendations focus on systemic change, equitable practices, and increased representation.
• Collaborative efforts are needed to ensure all youth receive adequate mental health care.