Do you see me? The complex experiences of women of color MSW students

Universities have increased the number of female students of color. However, inconsistency remains in terms of the number of women of color in positions of power and privilege. This discussion attempts to forward the dialogue about the challenges as well as the resilience of female students of color based on the experiences of four female African-American students in a graduate social work program at a predominantly white institution (PWI). Participants shared their daily experience of isolation and exclusion in their graduate programs compared to their experience in Historically Black College or Universities (HBCUs). Participants also discussed the divide that exists in institutions, as well as the sustaining forces and implications for education and research.     

Can Health Care Reform End Stigma Toward Mental Illness?

This article addresses the destigmatization of mental health through health care reform by incorporating antistigma efforts—a destaining of mental illness—through prevention and early intervention in community-based programs that would be mandated and funded through the auspices of Patient Protection and the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Mental health care policies under the ACA and the Mental Health Parity Act are briefly described, following a definition of mental health stigma and its impacts. Recommendations for statutory mandates in stigma reduction at the community and federal levels and guidelines for mental health/behavioral health providers form the article’s conclusion.