Masks Off: A Community-Based Psychoeducational Group Intervention with Black Women

Abstract

ABSTRACT Black women experience psychological distress yet are less likely to receive mental health services. Although the barriers to service use are documented, fewer efforts have centered on interventions to mitigate these barriers. This article presents Masks Off, a community-based psychoeducational group intervention that may increase mental health service utilization and wellness among Black women. Pilot data extracted from a sample of Black women (n = 37; M = 43.71 years) suggested the intervention was well received and supported women’s development of adaptive thoughts related to strong Black womanhood and wellness. Implications related to group work with Black women are discussed.