Review of Programs Preparing Students of Color for Graduate Studies in Psychology

The Counseling Psychologist · 2026-01-01

Despite efforts to diversify the mental health provider workforce, significant gaps remain, particularly in the representation of Students of Color in graduate programs. This systematic review examines programs designed to prepare Students of Color to successfully navigate the admissions process for graduate training in professional psychology. A preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guided approach was used to screen 962 studies, leading to the identification of three key programs. These programs targeted barriers such as financial constraints, implicit bias, and limited access to culturally responsive support. Common strategies included mentorship, research opportunities, and graduate application guidance to enhance participants’ readiness for advanced education. Some programs showed improvements in application rates and participant confidence. However, methodological limitations and inconsistent evaluation frameworks reduce the generalizability of findings. This review highlights the need for evidence-based practices to foster diversity. Further research is essential to develop and evaluate interdisciplinary approaches to create a more equitable pathway in mental health professions.

A call for QuantCrit methodologies: Unpacking the need for a critical lens in school psychology research

School Psychology International · 2023 · 11 citations

• Sociology
• Political Science
• Psychology

School psychology has heavily relied on quantitative methodology to create and sustain our knowledge of best practices regarding academic, behavioral, and mental health outcomes for students. Nevertheless, underlying assumptions of the neutrality of quantitative data have obfuscated how school psychology research has perpetuated oppressive ideologies and practices, which directly harm students from marginalized identities. This paper demonstrates the need for employing a critical lens when engaging in and consuming school psychology research that utilizes quantitative methods. One such framework is QuantCrit, developed in the United Kingdom, which intentionally integrates Critical Race Theory tenets into the development, analysis, and interpretation of quantitative data. We explore specific examples of the insidious ways that ‘presumed neutral’ quantitative approaches have led to the perpetuation of oppressive practices in the following key areas of school psychology research: (a) discipline disproportionality, (b) special education disproportionality, and (c) school accountability metrics. Furthermore, we provide recommendations for both utilizing and publishing quantitative research that moves school psychologists towards more equitable practices for children and families across the globe.

A Critical Race Theory of Psychology as Praxis: Proposing and Utilizing Principles of PsyCrit

Journal of Adolescent Research · 2022 · 21 citations

• Sociology
• Social Science
• Psychology

Historically, psychological science has contributed to maintaining the hegemony of white normativity and a fallacious belief in objective science that speaks to one singular truth about race. Due to a widespread unfamiliarity with critical theories and research methods in the field, novel approaches to psychological scientific inquiry are warranted to support scholars in pursuing racially-just empirical inquiries with socially-just implications. This manuscript aims to (1) introduce an evolution from critical race theory in psychology to a set of principles to guide research praxis: PsyCrit and (2) demonstrate its utility through use in an exemplar qualitative study. Qualitative coding analysis of semi-structured interviews with four Black mothers and one Black father ( n = 5) participating in the Engaging, Managing, and Bonding through Race intervention was conducted to model the use of PsyCrit in practice and deepen our understanding of parent factors in Black families. This manuscript unpacks four aspects of the exemplar study utilizing four of the seven tenets of PsyCrit. The depth of analysis provided by the framework suggests that these principles may serve in guiding psychological researchers toward more nuanced investigations, especially as they relate to issues of race or racism.

Use of Critical Race Theory to Understand Exclusion of Indigenous Students From Gifted Education

Routledge eBooks · 2021 · 1 citations

• Sociology
• Sociology
• Mathematics education

In this chapter, we use Critical Race Theory (CRT) as a lens to understand barriers to gifted education programs for students of color, with an emphasis on Indigenous students. We detail how giftedness is a white supremacist construct from its inception and describe the ways racism makes it more difficult for Black and Brown students to gain access and benefit from gifted education today. Using Niibwin’s case narrative, we highlight how Indigenous students are shut out of gifted education. Through Niibwin’s narrative, we illustrate the impact when school professionals fail to counteract inherently racist school policy with intentional anti-racist actions. Finally, we present experiential activities to help readers connect CRT tenets to the case narrative, engage in self-reflection, and consider some actions educators can take to disrupt racism in gifted education.

Clinical Case Studies: Evaluating Medication Outcomes in Schools

Pediatric school psychology · 2019-01-01

Clinical Case Studies: Failing to Respond to Psychosocial Treatments

Pediatric school psychology · 2019-01-01

Using Intersectionality as a Tool for Social Justice with Low-Income and Economically Marginalized Children and Youth.

Communique · 2019-11-01 · 1 citations