Best Practices
When Being “Essential” Illuminates Disparities: Counseling Clients Affected by COVID-19
Stacey Diane Arañez Litam,
Carlos P. Hipolito-Delgado,
Corresponding Author
Stacey Diane Arañez Litam
Counseling, Educational Leadership, and Adult Learning, Cleveland State University
Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Stacey Diane Arañez Litam, Counseling, Educational Leadership, and Adult Learning, Cleveland State University, 2121 Euclid Avenue, Julka Hall 275, Cleveland, OH 44115 (email: s.litam@csuohio.edu).Search for more papers by this authorCarlos P. Hipolito-Delgado
Department of Counseling, University of Colorado Denver
Search for more papers by this authorStacey Diane Arañez Litam,
Carlos P. Hipolito-Delgado,
Corresponding Author
Stacey Diane Arañez Litam
Counseling, Educational Leadership, and Adult Learning, Cleveland State University
Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Stacey Diane Arañez Litam, Counseling, Educational Leadership, and Adult Learning, Cleveland State University, 2121 Euclid Avenue, Julka Hall 275, Cleveland, OH 44115 (email: s.litam@csuohio.edu).Search for more papers by this authorCarlos P. Hipolito-Delgado
Department of Counseling, University of Colorado Denver
Search for more papers by this authorAbstract
The 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has highlighted social disparities in the United States. This article examines how preexisting racial and ethnic disparities, exacerbated by COVID-19, have negatively affected communities of color that tend to be overrepresented in lower socioeconomic groups, have limited access to health care and education, have an undocumented status, and work in jobs considered “essential.” Counselors are encouraged to use creative strategies to design and facilitate telecounseling and reduced- or no-cost workshops in which attendees can participate safely. Specific cultural considerations, aspects of crisis management, and creative interventions that can be used with clients of color at an appropriate social distance are discussed. Counselors can also instill hope in their clients by promoting sociopolitical development. As the impact of COVID-19 will be felt for years, it is crucial that counselors be prepared to address the needs of those disproportionately affected.
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