The Counseling Psychologist

In this article, the incoming editorial team for The Counseling Psychologist (TCP) outline the vision for the journal and address their positionalities as a model of reflexive practice. The editorial team, comprising the Editor and Associate Editors, review the increasing call for psychology to be anti-racist, decolonial, and liberatory. The authors document the role the TCP can play in this endeavor and commit to TCP being an extension of the values of the Society of Counseling Psychology (SCP).

Suicide deaths are rising in the United States, with some evidence that they are rising most rapidly among men of color. However, men of color in emerging adulthood face unique barriers to accessing life-saving services, such as the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. In the present study, we examined factors that influence help-seeking for suicidal thoughts among undergraduate men of color with a reported history of suicidality. In this consensual qualitative research study, 20 undergraduate men of color responded to an anonymous open-ended questionnaire administered through an institutional research system. Our analysis yielded four domains (a) Intrapersonal Factors, (b) Systemic Factors, (c) Expectations of Using a Crisis Line, and (d) Expected Experience of Disclosure, that explained participants’ perceived barriers to, facilitators of, and potential experiences with crisis line utilization. Findings highlight the unique impacts of participants’ cultural beliefs, as well as the influence of traditional masculinity on help-seeking intentions.

Immigrant young adults of color and their family members from older generations often have a different frame of reference, acculturation, or racial consciousness, which may affect their conversations around race and racial issues. This qualitative study examined how immigrant young adults of color engage in racial dialogues with their older family members, how these discussions evolve depending on the group being discussed—such as those of the same or different race or ethnicity—and the key insights they gain from these dialogues. A total of 27 self-identified immigrants of color participated in hour-long one-on-one interviews. Using reflexive thematic analysis, we identified socioecological elements that encompass generational dynamics, intraracial and interracial dynamics, and community and social influences. Our findings highlight the role of family racial consciousness, the shared challenges and resilience, and the socioemotional processes involved in racial dialogues. We also discuss the implications for practice, training and advocacy, and suggestions for research.

The validity and reliability of the Ethnic Identity Scale (EIS) was examined for use with Arab Americans. Sample one consisted of 156 Arab Americans (99 female; 57 male) and sample two consisted of 166 Arab Americans (103 female, 51 male, 7 nonbinary). Participants completed an online questionnaire including measures of ethnic identity, socialization, self-esteem and social desirability. A confirmatory factor analysis supported the three-factor structure of the EIS. A K-means cluster analysis classified Arab Americans into eight ethnic identity clusters. Evidence of construct validity was demonstrated across the dimensions with correlations ranging from r = .25–.35 with self-esteem, r = .48–.53 with familial ethnic socialization, and r = .15 with social desirability. Achieved positive cluster had the largest number of participants (38%) and majority of participants were placed into one of the positive clusters (75%) indicating high affirmation scores. The discussion explores clinical and research implications.

Despite efforts to diversify the mental health provider workforce, significant gaps remain, particularly in the representation of Students of Color in graduate programs. This systematic review examines programs designed to prepare Students of Color to successfully navigate the admissions process for graduate training in professional psychology. A preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guided approach was used to screen 962 studies, leading to the identification of three key programs. These programs targeted barriers such as financial constraints, implicit bias, and limited access to culturally responsive support. Common strategies included mentorship, research opportunities, and graduate application guidance to enhance participants’ readiness for advanced education. Some programs showed improvements in application rates and participant confidence. However, methodological limitations and inconsistent evaluation frameworks reduce the generalizability of findings. This review highlights the need for evidence-based practices to foster diversity. Further research is essential to develop and evaluate interdisciplinary approaches to create a more equitable pathway in mental health professions.