Islamophobia and practice implications with American Muslims

Since the terrorist attacks of September 11th 2001, prejudice and discrimination towards American Muslims has been evidenced by increased anti-Islam legislation and policies, anti-Islamic hate crimes, and anti-Islamic public sentiment. This project explores how Islamophobia affects the mental health of American Muslims. Findings demonstrate that many American Muslims have experienced mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and isolation. This indicates an urgent need for mental health practitioners to reach out to this community. Micro and macro practice tools are provided for clinicians and advocates to use with this community. These tools aim to increase cultural competence and address the social and cultural complexities that professionals may face when serving this population. Clinicians are urged to become involved in promoting justice for this minority population by addressing the psychological needs of American Muslims on an individual level and advocating to end discrimination and prejudice on the community and policy levels