This study examined the impact of lived experiences among African American women with limited mental healthcare access in rural North Carolina. The research examined how those lived experiences-due to limited transportation, low socioeconomic status, and limited healthcare access-further exacerbate emotional challenges among African American women. The study examined the lived experiences of cultural beliefs and value systems of African American women and how these experiences impede or enhance the populations' response to the conventional treatment approach of the social dominate culture. The study further examined the lived experiences of social misconceptions, healthcare disparities, and stigmas when dealing with African American women and coping challenges. The research also reviewed the theoretical underpinnings of the socio-cultural theory to interpret how lived experiences of race discrimination, racial identity, medical maltreatment, misdiagnosis, social mistrust, and low socioeconomic status influence social interaction among African American women in rural North Carolina. Through the lived experiences of African American women, this research suggests further examining more effective coping mechanisms for African American women by recapitulating individual beliefs and values and implementing tools for identifying emotional stressors. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]