Racism in Black Mental Health: Unpacking Implicit Bias in Counseling-View Presentation

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Video Summary

In this video, the presenters discuss the topic of racism in Black mental health and unpacking implicit bias in counseling. Jose Villarreal, Clinical Director of Behavioral Health at Erie Family Health Centers, introduces the webinar, which is hosted by SMI Advisor, an initiative devoted to helping clinicians implement evidence-based care for those with serious mental illness. The webinar offers continuing education credits for physicians, psychologists, and social workers.<br /><br />Dr. Marcus Smith and Kelly Winbush Fairley serve as the faculty for the webinar. Dr. Smith specializes in LGBTQ identity and supportive therapy, grief counseling, spirituality, anxiety disorders, play therapy, life transitions, and mindfulness. Kelly Winbush Fairley is a board-certified behavior analyst and founder and CEO of Key to Hope Behavioral Therapy.<br /><br />The presenters discuss the historical context of systemic oppression and cultural mistrust in the Black community. They emphasize the need for cultural sensitivity and trauma-informed care when working with Black clients. They also highlight the importance of recognizing racial trauma and provide tools and theories to enhance therapists' understanding and engagement with their Black clients. These include concepts such as cultural broaching, dynamic sizing, and theory integration.<br /><br />The presenters emphasize the need to approach treatment with curiosity, respect, and humility. They encourage clinicians to use the language of their clients and to be aware of their own implicit biases. They also advocate for longer treatment and a strength-based approach that acknowledges the multiple stressors faced by Black Americans.<br /><br />The video concludes with information on how to access additional resources, claim credit for attending the webinar, and join upcoming webinars on related topics.

Keywords

racism

Black mental health

implicit bias

counseling

systemic oppression

cultural mistrust

cultural sensitivity

trauma-informed care

racial trauma

implicit biases