I received a free ebook in exchange for a fair and unbiased review. I work in mental health. I enjoy reading books on mental health. I was excited to read this book.

I really wanted to read this book. I thought I would enjoy this book. The book talked mainly about the racist beliefs of psychiatrists in the late 1800s and early 1900s. I know psychiatrists were racist (and sexist). I expected the book would talk about it. I didn't think most of the book would talk about how racist these institutions and doctors were at the time. It was difficult to want to read more of the book.

The book was too long. The chapters were quite long. I forced myself to finish the book. The book didn't keep you wanting to read and learn more. I honestly didn't know why the author wrote the book. Books are usually meant to educate us ( in fiction, examine a life or make a statement). I am not sure what the authors goal was.

The only part of the book I liked was the part, that talked about Father Divine. I had never heard of this cult. People who join cults fascinate me. I wish there was more talk of this cult in the book.

The book tried to close in a positive manner. It was the last 25 pages. It just seemed to late for me.

I am thankful for the author and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book. I hope other people like the book more than I did

"Black Religion in the Madhouse" is a timely and crucial read. As a social worker striving to dismantle stigma within a field historically rife with it, I found Judith Weisenfeld's examination of how racial bias shaped psychiatric practices in the post-slavery South deeply disturbing, yet essential. Weisenfeld exposes how white psychiatrists used "religious excitement" to pathologize African American spiritual practices, leading to disproportionate institutionalization and reinforcing harmful stereotypes about Black people's capacity for self-determination. This book provides vital historical context for understanding the ongoing disparities in mental healthcare and underscores the urgent need for culturally competent, anti-racist practices. It's a must-read for anyone in the mental health field and anyone seeking to understand the roots of systemic racism in healthcare.