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Preface xi Atlantic slave trade. Content is also relevant for people of African descent who themselves or whose ancestors more recently immigrated volun- tarily to the United States however, this book does not fully explore the experiences of more recently immigrated communities of African descent. We use identity markers in shared solidity, while encouraging readers to recognize the unique and diverse ethnic, cultural, and geographical differ- ences between Black and African American women. The book editors and the majority of the contributing chapter authors identify as Black and/or African American women. The editors and contributors are personally and professionally committed to improving the therapy experience of Black and African American women. Having attended psychotherapy themselves and with client caseloads comprised primarily of African American women, the book editors understand both the challenges African American women face in obtaining competent care, and the healing and transformative benefits of quality care. Ideally, this book supports readers’ investment in recognizing and challenging their own beliefs and biases, reducing barriers to treatment, and demystifying and decolonizing the therapy process. ORGANIZATION This book is organized in four parts. Part One introduces a general contextualization of intersectionality and cultural competence related to serving Black and African American women. Part Two examines clini- cal considerations commonly experienced by Black and African American women. Chapters detail symptoms and treatments related to depres- sion, anxiety, trauma, severe and chronic mental health issues, alcohol and drug addiction, and eating disorders. Part Three details treatment approaches to working with Black and African American women. Indi- vidual, couples and family, group therapy, inpatient and rehabilitation treatment approaches, and cultural adaptations are explored. Finally, Part Four addresses mental health and treatment needs of African American sexual orientation and gender identity minorities, women with disabili- ties, college students, and women with multiracial identities. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS During the time this book was written and reviewed, Kobe Bryant, Chadwick Boseman, and civil rights leader John Lewis died Atatiana Jef- ferson, Elijah McClain, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and Jacob Blake were murdered and COVID-19 continues to kill a dispro- portionate number of Black Americans, while subsequently amplifying the burden of childcare and work Black women endure. Despite the his- torical nomination of an African American and South Asian woman, Sen- ator Kamala Harris, as vice president on a major party ticket, the political