Social Workers' Challenges and Successes in Working with Black Men During Times of Social Upheaval.

U.S. social workers experienced challenges and successes when working with Black male clients in mental and medical health and addiction therapy or treatment settings before and during the simultaneous events of the COVID-19 pandemic, political elections, and racial violence/social injustice movements of the late 2010s–early 2020s. This project addressed the lack of knowledge regarding evidence-based practices to address the challenges and positive therapeutic experiences of social workers, specifically those working in clinical practice with Black American male clients. The theoretical framework for this study was Bell's critical race theory. The generic qualitative research design was used to address three research questions. Data were gathered by conducting individual interviews with 10 Black licensed clinical social workers using a semistructured questionnaire. Thematic analysis was used to examine and organize the data. Research participants identified various challenges and expressed their resilience in addressing them. They told stories about professional growth and achievements in providing effective clinical treatment or therapy to Black male clients, as evidenced by testimonies and referrals. The study may foster positive social change by increasing awareness of the professional challenges voiced by Black social workers and by informing social work leaders of practical assessments and interventions that lead to successful clinical outcomes for Black male clients.