Family Counselors Addressing Social Determinants of Mental Health in Underserved Communities

Abstract

Couple and family counselors (CFCs) practicing in underserved communities must be aware of and properly address social determinants of mental health (SDOMH). This conceptual manuscript offers an explanation of how the SDOMH domains impact families in underserved communities and provide evidence-based recommendations for infusing SDOMH into family counseling through the ecological social justice counseling theory, adapted for couple and family counselors. This article concludes with the next steps for practice and research.