Empowering Future Healers: Supporting Black Graduate Students Training to Be Pediatric Psychologists

Abstract

Objective: Diversifying the health service psychology workforce and increasing the number of Black trainees in pediatric psychology represents a viable strategy for improving the engagement of systematically oppressed patients in behavioral health care. However, merely increasing the number of Black trainees is insufficient. Attention must be paid to significant stressors, such as racist microaggressions in medical settings and the lack of access to Black supervisors or mentors during training for these students. Method: In this article, we review several significant issues faced by Black graduate students in pediatric psychology and the effects these issues may have on them. Results and Conclusions: Recommendations are offered across multiple levels, including for Black graduate students in pediatric psychology, training programs, and professional organizations seeking to foster inclusive environments.

Implications for Impact

This article describes issues related to clinical training for Black graduate students in pediatric psychology. Recommendations to improve the training experience for Black graduate students are discussed across multiple levels, including for the field of pediatric psychology, training programs, and trainees.