Examining Race-Based Traumatic Stress Through the Lens of Clinical Social Work and Mental Health Practice: A Qualitative Study

There has been increased attention to race-based traumatic stress (RBTS) within mental health literature. Nonetheless, there has been limited examination of mental health providers’ understanding of RBTS across disciplines and their approaches to assessment and treatment in clinical practice. This exploratory qualitative study examined mental health providers’ perspectives on RBTS, focusing on how they understand, assess, and treat clients affected by RBTS. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with mental health providers (N = 11). The data were analyzed using an inductive and latent approach to reflexive thematic analysis. Seven themes and associated subthemes emerged, illuminating how mental health providers recognize and respond to RBTS in clinical practice. Participants relied on lived experiential knowledge to understand and address RBTS with clients and reported limited familiarity with standardized assessment tools. Participants also described gaps in education and training related to racism and RBTS. Findings demonstrate the need for the integration of racism and its interpersonal and structural impact within mental health education and professional training programs. Implications for clinical social work practice, education, training, and research are discussed.