A Counselor Though? A Grounded Theory Study on Black Counselors' Reasons for Joining the Profession

• In Event: Sustaining in the Counseling Profession

Abstract

Less than 20% of counseling students are Black (CACREP, 2018) and less than 25% of practicing counselors are Black (US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021). Meanwhile, over 7 million BIPoC people reported having a mental illness and they underutilize counseling services. Drawing on Critical Race Theory (Delgado & Stefancic, 2001; McGee & Stovall, 2015) and Cross’ Theory of Nigrescence (1991), this paper presents findings from a grounded theory study on why Black people choose to become counselors. We contend that learning Black counselors' motivation(s) to join the profession will assist counseling programs and agencies that employ Black counselors to better meet the needs of Black clients seeking mental health care (SAMHSA, 2018).

Authors

• Michael D. Hannon, Montclair State University
  Presenting Author

• Estefanie Ceballo, Montclair State University
  Presenting Author

• Natalie Nieves, Montclair State University
  Presenting Author

• LaShawn Adams, Montclair State University
  Presenting Author