Racial Biases in Therapy: The Effect of Race and Racial-Awareness on Therapeutic Diagnoses

Participants were randomly assigned to either a Black or White client vignette, which they had to assess by using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) and the Attribution of Causation and Solution Questionnaire. To manipulate awareness of racism, one group received racial-awareness training prior to the assessment task. Results showed that the Black client was rated lower on depression compared to the White client, but only if therapists had no racial-awareness.

No differences were found between groups regarding psychotic symptoms. Concerning the attribution of causation and solution it was found that therapists with no racial-awareness rated the Black client equal to the White client. In addition, a trend indicated that therapists with racial-awareness rated the Black client lower compared to the White client.

These findings suggest that assessment vary depending on clients’ race. However, racial-awareness seems to reduce biases, thereby facilitating a more accurate assessment of clients of color.