National Psychology Training Consortium

Course Description and Target Audience

This presentation day will focus on two things primarily, racism and resiliency. It would be disingenuous and problematic to not address the impact of racism and discrimination on the African American community. It would also be remiss of me to not also discuss how that plays out in those who are born in the United States versus those who emigrate later from other parts of the African diaspora as they tend to have different experiences that impact their life trajectories in the United States. The presenters will also focus on the resiliency of those who are members of the African American community. Despite extreme hardships, offset by a brief period of tremendous growth, the ability for the African American community to thrive, maintain their emotional and psychological well-being, and continue to be hopeful is something that should be lauded. 

Mental health In The African-American Community is a brief training designed to assist professionals in learning more about the specific treatment (and obstacles) involved in treating African-American clients, as well as providing a safe space for professionals to ask difficult questions and receive comprehensive answers based on the experience of the presenters.

This training is beneficial to mental health professionals and trainees who work with diverse colleagues and populations, e.g. clients who identify as African-American. We are aware that your placements may not all provide this interaction with clients but your colleagues may also need you to be more knowledgeable about their experiences and what it means to them to experience the same kinds of concerns your clients may.

The presentation is built through examination and integration of pertinent literature on this topic. To our knowledge all material used in the presentation and/or distributed as handouts will be accurate and will hopefully provoke thoughtful conversation. Any empirical data presented will be sourced from peer reviewed or governmental sources which normally means it has been vetted by several intermediate bodies before publication. Because information is constantly being released and updated, some materials will not have been reviewed or included in this presentation. 

This presentation is limited by the availability of the current research, and the lack of research in certain areas. The African American community is not a monolith and research has not done a great job of providing a diverse set of perspectives about the community. We understand that generational shifts, historical events, income, education, location and gender identification can all shape our experiences which may make this information more or less salient. 

There should be no potential risks in attending this training. This training is designed to provide a safe space for providers to ask difficult questions, but that process can be difficult and can bring up aspects of their own history or past that may impact them emotionally. However, the information may be contrary to what you have heard and/or experienced directly which may create some personal discomfort or disagreement. 

As diverse scholars, the presenters try to include perspectives from as many diverse voices as possible, look in mainstream and specialized journals, consult with colleagues who may have research in progress and attend trainings to address lack of new knowledge when possible. The presenters also try to look at experiences outside of the United States and/or WEIRD demographic groups when possible. There will also be specific anecdotes, stories, and analysis from our time as African-American providers serving African-American clients.

Learning Objectives

• Participants will be able to analyze how racism impacts mental health in Black/African-American people across the lifespan and the historical/systemic barriers in accessing quality mental health support.
• Participants will be able to explain how generational trauma exacerbates negative mental health symptoms, contributes to misdiagnoses, and subsequently leads to ineffective treatment.
• Participants will be able to identify culturally-relevant approaches to mental health care and support.
• Participants will be able to identify protective factors such as family systems, social support, and religiosity as it relates to Black culture and mental health resilience they can implement into their organizational and daily practices.
• Participants will engage in thought-provoking discussions to develop a commitment to self-reflection, culturally conscious care, and advocacy for equitable treatment through guided practice.
• Participants will be able to articulate the various experiences unique to being an African-American individual.
• Participants will be able to articulate how various African-American experiences may present in a therapeutic setting.
• Participants will be able to identify concrete and practical steps for working African-American clients in therapy.

Presenter Information

Gaston Rougeaux-Burnes, PsyD, is a Licensed Psychologist who specializes in working with children, couples, and families in a variety of capacities, including play therapy, individual therapy, and parent training. His willingness to help you and your loved ones feel supported and guided through difficult times helps his clients overcome their obstacles. Educationally, Dr. Rougeaux-Burnes is a native Texan and graduated highschool in Cypress, Texas. From there, he attended Baylor University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Neuroscience. Dr. Rougeaux-Burnes then pursued higher education at the Forest Institute of Professional Psychology, where he attained his Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, as well as his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. 

Dr. Davis is a licensed psychologist and clinical associate professor of psychology at Indiana University Kokomo. She completed her undergraduate degree in psychology at Fisk University, master’s degree in counseling at University of Texas at San Antonio, and doctoral degree in counseling psychology at Ball State University. She teaches undergraduate and graduate courses across the curriculum but with a special focus to infuse issues of diversity, equity and inclusion throughout her courses. She has served as the inaugural faculty inclusive excellence liaison for academic affairs to assist her colleagues and institution ensure students have been exposed to DEI related issues specific to each discipline. She serves as a mentor to several current and former students who primarily from historically excluded backgrounds. She also lectures at community agencies and other academic institutions with a focus on mental health and diversity, equity and inclusion. Her research focuses on mentoring, relationships, and supporting historically excluded students in higher education settings. She serves on the editorial board of The Counseling Psychologist, the Society for the Future of Higher Education, and recently concluded her tenure on the Midwestern Psychological Association Council where she was also named a fellow of the organization.

Live CE Training Location and Costs

Location

This presentation will be offered virtually.

Registration Costs

This cost includes the training and materials required to obtain CE’s. Your CE certificate will be made available to you upon completion of the training. 

National Psychology Training Consortium (NPTC) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. NPTC maintains responsibility for this program and its content.