National Psychology Training Consortium

Course Description and Target Audience

This presentation will have the following objectives and topics: 

1. Introduce the American Psychological Association's (APA) DEI Framework 

2. Discuss the importance of cultural humility in psychological practice. 

3. Explore how overlapping identities (e.g., race, gender, socioeconomic status) affect individuals' experiences and mental health. 

4. Identify systemic issues that disproportionately affect marginalized groups. 

5. Define microaggressions as subtle, often unintentional, expressions of bias. 

6. Review the APA Code of Ethics as it relates to DEI 

7. Actionable steps for psychologists to integrate DEI into their work

This presentation is intended for mental health trainees, interns, and practicing providers who work with diverse populations. It is designed to support emerging and established professionals in developing culturally responsive, ethical, and inclusive practices in a variety of clinical and community settings.

All information included in this presentation is derived from peer-reviewed research to ensure accuracy and credibility. Additionally, examples and interactive activities were intentionally selected to enhance understanding and support the effective integration of key concepts into practice. While this DEI presentation is grounded in peer-reviewed research and designed to foster understanding and integration of key concepts, several limitations should be acknowledged: The session is a one-time event, lasting up to four hours, which may not suffice to instigate lasting behavioral change. Effective DEI transformation often requires ongoing engagement and reinforcement beyond a single presentation. 

The content is designed to be broadly applicable; however, it may not fully address the unique cultural dynamics, power structures, or specific challenges of every organization or community. Tailored interventions are often more effective in achieving meaningful impact While addressing individual biases is important, this presentation may not delve deeply into systemic issues such as institutional policies, structural inequalities, and organizational practices that perpetuate disparities. Comprehensive DEI efforts should encompass both individual and systemic levels. In global or diverse organizational settings, the presentation may not fully account for varying cultural norms, values, and experiences. Cultural humility and contextual adaptation are essential for the relevance and effectiveness of DEI training. No significant risks have been identified in connection with this training.

This presentation intentionally integrates diverse identities and perspectives relevant to the topic by drawing on inclusive research, examples, and case studies that reflect a broad range of cultural, social, and experiential backgrounds. Efforts have been made to acknowledge and respect the complexities of identity, including race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability, and socioeconomic status, ensuring that the material resonates with and is applicable to varied audiences. Interactive activities and discussions are designed to encourage participants to reflect on their own experiences and biases while fostering an environment of openness and respect. By centering diverse voices and promoting cultural humility, the presentation aims to cultivate deeper understanding and meaningful engagement with diversity-related issues.

Learning Objectives

• Participants will be able to explore and implement current research and theories to develop understanding of Diversity, Stereotypes, and Inclusion (DEI).
• Participants will be able to demonstrate a strengthened understanding of power, bias, privilege, and the intersection of various diversity variables.
• Participants will be able to explore and discuss how external factors influence identity and stereotypes. This is to include exploration of one's own identity in addition to clinical case examples.
• Participants will be able to strengthen and utilize self-awareness to identify and develop strategies for unconscious and conscious biases.
• Participants will be able to understand and assess how DEI applies to you and clinical practice.

Presenter Information

Dr. Lavonna Connell is a licensed clinical psychologist in Texas and a proud graduate of Wright State University. She completed her pre-doctoral internship with the National Psychology Training Consortium (NPTC) in 2016 and went on to finish her post-doctoral fellowship through the prestigious Riley Development Center LEND program at the Indiana University School of Medicine. With a career spanning diverse clinical settings—including community mental health centers, detention facilities, schools, government agencies, and private practice—Dr. Connell brings a wealth of experience to her work. 

She is especially passionate about psychological assessment, professional consultation, and advancing diversity and inclusion in mental health care. As the founder of Inquisitive Minds, PLLC, Dr. Connell combines her clinical expertise with an entrepreneurial spirit. Her professional journey has taken her around the globe, with roles in the United States, South Korea, and Bahrain—blending her love of cultural exploration with her commitment to impactful mental health service. Outside the office, Dr. Connell enjoys traveling, solving puzzles, and cherishing quality time with friends and family—always driven by curiosity, connection, and compassion.

Video Homestudy Format

CE’s for this homestudy training will be earned through completing the following tasks:

• Watch the presentation video and review all provided documents in their entirety.
• Pass the post-test questionnaire with at least 80% correct.

A program evaluation form will be provided to all who registered following the training. Please be sure to complete this form since your feedback helps direct future CE programming from our organization.

Registration Cost

This cost includes video links, materials, and tests required to obtain CE’s. Your CE certificate will be made available to you upon successful completion of the training (80% or higher on exam).

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.