Psychology’s Understanding of the Challenges Related to the COVID-19 Global Pandemic in the United States

We are witnessing a confluence of forces—a rapidly spreading and dangerous disease, coupled with widespread anti-racism protests and a pre-existing mental health crisis—that interact synergistically and have a disproportionate impact on marginalized populations. Many of these already vulnerable populations are at heightened risk for infection, including: Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), older adults, those with certain chronic health conditions, front-line providers, and other essential workers, as well as individuals in nursing homes, jails, prisons, and migrant detention facilities. The discipline and profession of psychology is responding to these challenges across multiple domains to safeguard and promote our nation’s health, family life, educational attainment, and work productivity.