Surviving Being Black and a Clinician During a Dual Pandemic:Personal and Professional Challenges in a Disease and Racial Crisis

ABSTRACT I CAN’T BREATHE! Social distance! I CAN’T BREATHE! Stay six feet apart! I CAN’T BREATHE! Make sure you wash your hands! I CAN’T BREATHEEEE! When can I schedule a session? The duality of being Black in America and a mental health professional during a global pandemic is stressful enough; however, coupled with a simultaneous racial pandemic, the intrapsychic, interpersonal and professional responsibilities feel incessant. This article seeks to explore the lived experiences of two Black mental health professionals residing and providing clinical services in Los Angeles County during a dual pandemic. Utilizing autoethnography methodology, the authors will reflect upon their personal and professional experiences of being Black and a mental health provider during a dual pandemic. Special attention will be allocated to unpacking issues of systemic racism, White supremacy, White fragility, anti-racism and third space oppression while providing clinical services to White and Black clients and attempting to engage in ongoing self-care activities. In addition, the authors will explore recommendations examining the nexus between racial identity, social location and professional expectations during a dual pandemic.