Responses from institutions (churches, agencies, government, etc) play a critical role in survivors’ trauma outcomes. This presentation introduces the concept of institutional betrayal, or the ways that institutions fail to protect, respond to, or acknowledge harm, and examines its impact on survivors. Drawing from our empirical research on racial trauma and childhood maltreatment, the session explores ways that institutions have failed this population and hindered positive trauma outcomes. The session situates institutional betrayal within the current sociopolitical landscape, exploring how recent political unrest exacerbates trauma and silences survivors. In contrast, the concept of institutional courage is presented as a trauma-informed alternative. Drawing again from our empirical research, the session explores examples that highlight courageous responses to trauma survivors. The presentation concludes with recommendations for growing institutional courage at both the practice and administrative levels to equip professionals in their role as advocates- moving from merely avoiding harm to actively supporting healing. Session Objectives: Define institutional betrayal and courage concepts. Analyze how systemic power and responses impact outcomes for trauma survivors. Develop actionable strategies for promoting institutional courage within mental health institutions.