Men's mental health is a critical yet often overlooked and under discussed topic in the United States. However, recent celebrities and awareness campaigns have put a spotlight on the need to address the unique needs and challenges faced by men. Mental Health Counseling for Men offers a comprehensive guide for practitioners seeking practical and evidence-based strategies. This textbook, published by IGI Global Scientific Publishing, explores the complexities of men's mental health, providing insightful chapters on various therapeutic approaches tailored to male clients. From understanding social determinants to employing male-friendly therapy techniques, this essential resource equips counselors with the tools to attain positive outcomes and support men's mental well-being effectively. Ideal for both seasoned professionals and those new to the field, this book is an invaluable addition to any mental health practitioner's tool kit.
– Daniel Bates
It is a unique time to work with children, and especially school-aged boys - sometimes, counselors can find it frustrating when boys are not able to verbalize their emotions, and when they get calls from schools overwhelmed by behaviors, especially by BIPOC males. Make no mistake, there is no more important time than the present to be present with boys of this age - guiding them through a normative transition to manhood in addition to reconnecting to peers and adults after the COVID-19 pandemic. My chapter provides information on influences, intersectionality, and interventions for counselors to use with this population.
– Max Utterberg
Understanding masculinity and its influence on men’s mental health is crucial in psychology as it helps identify and address the societal and cultural factors that shape men's behaviors, emotions, and mental health outcomes. This awareness can inform more effective, tailored interventions and support systems, reducing stigma and improving overall mental well-being among men.
– Diana McCullough
Men previously were assigned the role of son, brother, husband, and father, which then allowed them to expand their sense of identity to include categories of profession and community contribution. These terms helped secure more stable extensions of personality. Now, it seems to be the trend to employ denigrating terms to emasculate men, and strip them of any power or positive social standing they may seek to attain. Until a course correction is made, these terms will continue to jeopardize the status of men in relationship, and in society and continue to be an adverse influence in males who seek healthy expressions of social belonging and social recognition.
– Brian Le Clair
The issue of Men’s mental health is a topic that is progressively at the forefront of the counseling profession, particularly as it relates to depression. Depression is one of the most prevalent psychological disorders, not only within the general population; however, depression continues to expand beyond the general population in society and the prevalence of this disorder has vastly increased among the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Community (LGBTQ), (Pachankis, John E., Steven A. Safren, and Christopher R. Martell, 2019). Counselors undoubtedly, must understand and consider that one size does not fit all in this pluralistic society, particularly when it comes to working with Black Gay men with depression in the South (Graham, Aronson, Nichols, Stephens, & Rhodes, 2015).
– Bridget Holyfield-Moss
“Southern Boy Blues” explores the intersectionality of Black gay men from the South, emphasizing how depressive symptoms and psychosocial stressors shape mental health outcomes. In communities where mental health remains a taboo, this chapter brings much-needed attention to Black gay and bisexual men, an often-overlooked population. The work equips clinicians with culturally competent strategies to effectively engage and support these individuals, promoting compassionate and informed care.
– Anthony Jackson
My chapter, "Unmasking Black Men's Mental Health: The Impact of Social Determinants," explores the often-overlooked systemic barriers impacting Black men's mental health. By examining historical, cultural, and social factors, it highlights the importance of culturally informed approaches and policy changes to create more equitable mental health outcomes.
– Delarious Stewart