Given the high rates of church attendance and religious involvement of African American women and the underutilization of formal mental health services of this population, African American women often turn to church pastors for assistance with mental health issues. Presenters will provide an overview of a phenomenological study related to the experiences of African American women who received mental health counseling from church pastors. Additionally, presenters will provide recommendations for counselors and counselor educators for how to incorporate spirituality and religion into counseling with African American women.
