Winner of the American Journal of Nursing Book of the Year Award - Community Public Health! With a focus on how to improve the effectiveness and cultural competence of clinical services and research, this authoritative volume synthesizes current knowledge on both the physical and psychological health of African Americans today. In chapters that follow a consistent format for easy reference, leading scholars from a broad range of disciplines review risk and protective factors for specific health conditions and identify what works, what doesn't work, and what might work (i.e., practices requiring further research) in clinical practice with African Americans. Historical, sociocultural, and economic factors that affect the quality and utilization of health care services in African American communities are examined in depth. Evidence-based ways to draw on individual, family, and community strengths in prevention and treatment are highlighted throughout. The book will be important reading for graduate students, practitioners, and researchers in clinical psychology, counseling, public health, psychiatry, nursing, social work, sociology, healthcare administration, medicine, and evaluation. It will also serve as recommended reading in graduate-level courses in African American studies, health psychology, public health, mental health, and minority counseling.