Maintaining Black Mental Health in the Current Sociopolitical Climate: Examining Self & Practice to Improve Quality of Care
Date: Friday, February 2, 2018
Time: 9am-12pm
Where: Austin Child Guidance
Cost: $60
CEUs: 3 continuing education hours for social workers, marriage and family therapists, and licensed professional counselors.
Tickets: SOLD OUT, we're sorry, but all ticket sales have ended

Description:
In this interactive workshop, the presenter will discuss historical factors and social constructs that compound racial stress and trauma, and the current political climate will be used to contextualize discussion of Black mental health. Myths and stigma associated with mental health treatment will be discussed. Participants will be invited to critically analyze their racial identity and consider implications of the physical, emotional and spiritual “space” of their practice. Lastly, participants will connect across practices to form strategies to improve the quality of their mental health services for Black and African American clients. The workshop will also include a question and answer period to encourage dialogue, collaboration and community engagement.

Objectives:
1. Discuss the historical factors and social constructs that compound racial stress and trauma
2. Discuss the current political climate and its impact on Black mental health
3. Discuss myths and stigma associated with Black mental health prevention and treatment
4. Critically analyze and consider implications of:
a. racial identity; oppression/privilege within self, practice and profession
b. physical, emotional and spiritual “space” of practice
5. Identify strategies to improve quality of mental health provision for marginalized clients (as it applies to trauma-informed care in a family systems model)

Presenter:
Dr. Kimberly Burdine is a licensed psychologist and has worked in university counseling for over 8 years. She currently serves as a psychologist and diversity coordinator at The University of Texas at Austin. In Kimberly’s work with the college population, providing specialized services for students who are historically marginalized and underserved has been most rewarding. This work includes consultation and support with various departments, offices, and student organizations in effort to increase awareness around mental health and diversity consciousness. Most recently, she works to promote mental health awareness and reduction of stigma associated with mental health concerns and help-seeking in underserved communities.