Implicit Bias: Cultural and Spiritual Considerations for Mental Health Treatment
3:30 PM - 4:30 PMWed
Panther Room
Speakers
Morgan Morton, LCSW
Therapist
Burke
Crystal Odoms, LCSW-S
Clinical Coordinator
Burke
Documents
Presentation Slides
This presentation will examine the role of implicit bias in mental health treatment and provide tools for culturally diverse approaches to improve client outcomes. Implicit bias—unconscious prejudices related to gender, race, sexuality, culture, or spirituality—can contribute to misdiagnoses, strained therapeutic relationships, and disparities in care. Mental health clinicians must develop self-awareness of their cultural backgrounds and biases to provide effective treatment. This session will explore the historical impact of bias in mental health and offer strategies for clinicians to foster cultural humility in their practice. Objectives: Participants who attend this presentation can expect to: (1) recognize the importance of race, ethnicity, and spirituality in mental health treatment; (2) expand self-awareness of personal bias and its potential impacts on clients; and (3) apply knowledge of culturally diverse treatment approaches as clinicians.