Designing a Platform that Connects People of Color to Therapists of Color
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Author/Creator
Iyamah, Jacquelyn
Author/Creator ORCID
Date
2020-05-25
Department
University of Baltimore. School of Information Arts and Technologies
Program
University of Baltimore. Master of Science in Interaction Design and Information Architecture
Citation of Original Publication
Rights
Attribution 3.0 United States
This item may be protected under Title 17 of the U.S. Copyright Law. It is made available by the University of Baltimore for non-commercial research and educational purposes.
This item may be protected under Title 17 of the U.S. Copyright Law. It is made available by the University of Baltimore for non-commercial research and educational purposes.
Abstract
Being a person of color comes with a set of unique challenges. Society often discusses racism, but rarely does this discussion delve into the psychological effects of racism on communities of color. In truth, racism can induce illnesses such as anxiety, depression, and race-based stress, which is akin to post-traumatic stress disorder. Further exacerbating the situation is that there are several barriers that prevent people of color from seeking out mental healthcare treatment. From access to mental healthcare, to distrust in the system, to stigma, to a lack of culturally competent providers; people of color often find themselves with few options to treat their symptoms. This thesis examines reputable journals and articles that delve into this phenomenon. It also points to a solution: designing a digital application that connects Black, Indigenous, and people of color to therapists of color who can also address race-based stress if need be.