Culturally Competent Mental Health Care for Imprisoned Black Survivors of Sex Trafficking

Author: Sawyer, Nathaniel & Hoskins, David

Abstract: This study examined how culturally competent mental health care shapes the therapeutic experiences of Black survivors of sex trafficking during incarceration. Twelve formerly incarcerated Black survivors participated in semistructured, in-depth interviews exploring their experiences with mental health services in carceral settings. Using interpretative phenomenological analysis, this study investigated how survivors make meaning of therapeutic encounters in racially stratified correctional systems. The findings revealed that incarceration often functions as an extension of trauma, characterized by racialized punishment and the absence of trauma-informed care. Access to culturally competent therapy, however, emerged as a transformative factor, fostering trust, safety, and openness.

Keywords: black psychology, cultural competence, incarceration, interpretative phenomenological analysis, sex trafficking, trauma-informed care