KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Racial health disparities is a persistent and pernicious problem within American society. Approached largely from the purview of Medicine, Public Health and Sociology, Psychology also has an important role to play in understanding the health disparities phenomenon. As such the current workshop focuses on psychological constructs associated with race and racism that have been implicated in health disparities. The workshop will also address points of intervention that are germane to the practice of Health Service Psychologists (HSP’s) and will provide a description of anti-racist psychological practice as a vehicle for the disruption and reduction of race-related health disparities. Original webinar date: March 25, 2022. CC.

Learning objectives:

1. Identify three race-related psychological variables associated with health disparities.
2. Describe three elements of anti-racist psychological practice.
3. Illustrate three points of intervention that can be employed by HSP’s.

The pandemic, alongside everchanging policies and current social climate, has brought forth a great amount of uncertainty and stress, with tremendous effects on the mental health of adults from all backgrounds and identities. We will examine the mental health rates and discuss the varied experiences across various subgroups, explore other significant risk and protective factors, and examine the societal issues and social identities that have been overlooked in the assessment and treatment of adults during the pandemic. Original webinar date: March 25, 2022. CC.

Learning Objectives:

1. Discuss U.S. based depression and anxiety symptoms trends by race/ethnicity.
2. Examine how the social climate give rise to mental health disparities.
3. Discuss existing disparities in the infrastructure for monitoring and addressing mental health disparities.

The Asian American population is often overlooked in disparities research. Part of the reason for this is that when data for a heterogenous population is aggregated, it masks disparities that exist in subpopulations. Additionally, common stereotypes held about this population are those of a “model minority”- one that does not struggle or experience disparities. This workshop will help to disaggregate the Asian American population and explain key demographic and historical factors that lead to different types of disparities within this population. Special attention will be paid to mental health disparities including a discussion of culturally relevant assessment and intervention strategies. Original webinar date: March 25, 2022. CC.

Learning Objectives:

1. List key factors that make Asian Americans a heterogenous population and how those differences contribute to health disparities.
2. Discuss common stereotypes about Asian Americans and the role of stereotypes in health disparities.
3. Describe the current state of mental health disparities for Asian American and discuss culturally relevant assessment and intervention strategies.

Despite the disparity in mental health treatment for African Americans, relatively few clinicians receive training on how to address this reality in their work with African American clients.

This workshop will 1) examine and address the barriers many African Americans encounter when seeking mental health treatment; 2) propose a picture of wellness for African Americans; and 3) interrogate the unchallenged cultural encapsulations within psychological theory, diagnoses, and techniques. The role of race and culture in clinicians’ training will be examined. A vignette will be used to show the importance of clinicians having the knowledge base and cultural self-awareness to effectively redress longstanding disparities in mental health treatment. Original webinar date: March 25, 2022. CC.

Learning Objectives:

• List the barriers African Americans encounter when seeking mental health treatment.
• Name three important domains that are often present in the lives of African Americans that display mental wellness.
• Discuss the efficacy and limits of a multicultural approach to treatment with African Americans.