Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Clinical Practice E294

Course Summary

Practice Level: Intermediate

This learning material clarifies terms and concepts relevant to DEI in clinical settings and highlights the roles of providers in facilitating equitable care. Designed for social workers, psychologists, marriage and family therapists, and counselors, the learning material presents the information necessary for practitioners to recognize the effects of social determinants of health (SDOH) on mental health outcomes in underserved communities. The learning material examines the interplay of myriad social factors that can exacerbate or alleviate mental health conditions. This information, along with tools to mitigate implicit biases and microaggressions in practice, can lead to more tailored interventions for patients and clients.

The presentation includes a review of the historical context and evolution of DEI in mental healthcare, the injustices that various groups have experienced in mental health settings, and the effects of systemic inequalities on marginalized communities. The learning material also explains important legal and ethical responsibilities of mental health professionals in promoting DEI and supporting broader social equity. Case examples, which appear throughout the course, attend to bias and microaggressions while providing culturally responsive assessment and intervention techniques for clients with diverse backgrounds and values.

The information presented in this learning material is intended to enhance professional practice, support inclusive care, and play an active role in dismantling systemic inequities—thereby supporting clinicians in unique opportunities to advance a more just and equitable mental health system.

Course Format

This course contains downloadable online lessons (PDF) and a practice test. When you’re ready, purchase the course by clicking the “Add To Cart” or “Enroll” button. This will let you take the test, complete the course evaluation and receive your certificate for CE credits.

Learning Objectives

1. Explain common terms and concepts of diversity, equity, and inclusion relevant to clinical practice. 
2. Recognize the effect that mental health disparities and social determinants of health have on mental health. 
3. Describe the historical context and legal and ethical issues regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion in mental health. 
4. Explain the consequences of biases and microaggressions on mental health and in treatment. 
5. Identify actions that aid in the delivery of equitable and inclusive mental health services. 
6. Discuss the role of advocacy and policy in addressing systemic inequities in mental health services. 

Course Syllabus

• Introduction
• Overview of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 
  • Common Terms
  • The ADDRESSING Framework
  • Diversity Dimensions Not Represented by ADDRESSING
  • Intersectionality
• The Importance of DEI in Mental Health Practice   
  • Mental Health Disparities
  • Social Determinants of Mental Health
• Historical Context of DEI Efforts in Mental Health
  • System Inequities
  • Progress Toward Equity
  • Current State of DEI
• Legal and Ethical Considerations of DEI
  • Legal Considerations
  • Ethical Considerations
• Biases and Microaggressions
  • The Effect of Bias and Microaggressions on Mental Health
  • Microaggressions in Mental Health Treatment
• Delivery of Equitable and Inclusive Mental Health Services
  • Personal Work
  • Culturally Responsive Assessment
  • Culturally Responsive Intervention
• Advocacy and Policy Change
  • Inclusive Environments
  • Policy Development
  • Ongoing Learning
• Summary

Author

Dr. Aileen Fullchange

Dr. Aileen Fullchange (she/her/hers) is a second generation Taiwanese-American licensed psychologist and a nationally certified school psychologist who works at the crossroads of mental health, education, and racial equity as a clinician and speaker. She operates a psychotherapy practice serving predominantly BIPOC people with intersecting identities. She specializes in healing from complex, intergenerational, and systemic trauma using strengths-based and somatic approaches. She has over a dozen publications in journals, books, and magazines and presents on the topics of social-emotional health, burnout, empathy, resilience, race and anti-racism, and identity at the intersection of mental health and education. She has worked with hundreds of leaders, students, families, and organizations across the nation.

Accreditation Approval Statements

CE4Less.com is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. CE4Less.com maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

CE4Less.com, provider #1115, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 8/8/24-8/8/27.

Social workers completing this course receive 4 cultural competence education credits.

This course has been approved by CE4Less.com, as a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, for educational credits. NAADAC Provider #91345, CE4Less.com is responsible for all aspects of the programing.