Abstract
Students of color are significantly affected by experiences related to race and ethnicity (i.e., racial discrimination and micro-aggressions), which has an effect on the well-being and mental health of these students (Priest et al., 2013; Aquino & Budescu, 2021). They are also less likely to receive mental health care and services due to racial disparities; thus, schools need to provide students of color with adequate school-based mental health support (Quirk, 2020). This project aims to develop and create a group counseling curriculum that focuses on supporting our students of color and their mental health. The proposed group counseling curriculum, "Supporting the Mental Health of Students of Color: A Group Counseling Curriculum for High School Students," incorporates therapeutic techniques such as social-emotional learning, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Mindfulness, and uses a strengths-based approach to promote social connections and school engagement and offer an environment that celebrates and acknowledges students' diverse experiences while using culturally competent practices. Through a variety of engaging lessons, students will have the opportunity to share their lived experiences and celebrate their diversity in a safe and inclusive environment. The curriculum contains sample scripts, activities, and discussions surrounding Stereotypes and Resiliency, Emotional Regulation, Race Related Incidents, Values and Identity, Equality, Equity, Privilege, Circle of Control, and Self-Affirmations. The curriculum can be implemented by a school-based mental health professional and is intended for use at the secondary level.