PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY FOR WOMEN OF COLOR - AN EMPOWERING APPROACH

This article reviews the status of psychopharmacology with women of co lor, It examines both gender and ethnoracial contexts by discussing th e dynamics present in the prescription of psychoactive medications to women of color. An empowering approach to psychopharmacology with wome n of color is presented within the context of a non-physician psychoth erapist-physician psychopharmacotherapist concurrent treatment model. In this approach, the therapeutic relationship is designated as a ther apeutic triangle, and as a critical agent of change. Emphasis is given to the monitoring and working through of transference and countertran sferential reactions in the triangulation of treatment, focusing on et hnocultural acid gender factors. The empowering approach to psychophar macology views education as an emancipatory psychosocial method aimed at helping women of color manage their situation in a self-affirming m anner.