Cultivating Racially Equitable Mental Health Support and Implications for Spiritual Care
Presented by Amittia Parker PhDc, LMSW, MPA
June 17 , 2021 ~ 12pm – 1:30pm Central Time
While many helping professionals are now more aware of racial disparities in mental health, the field is predominantly White and there is a gap in understanding and subsequently, action. This interactive workshop will focus on increasing awareness of racism within the continuum of mental health care, building skills for managing emotions in conversations about race/racism, and intentional action for racial equity and justice.
Speaker Bio:
Amittia Parker, LMSW, MPA has worked for a decade as a mental health consultant across a variety of settings in Kansas City, including home-based services, childcare centers, school-based services, and health clinics. She is currently a doctoral candidate at the University of Kansas, School of Social Welfare and engaged in research, teaching, and service. Her research agenda is focused on promoting minority mental health, with a particular interest in Black and Latinx families with young children. Her current research projects focus on mental health among Black mothers and social work students, natural helping spaces, and behavioral health service availability and delivery. Amittia promotes racially sensitive practice both within the courses she teaches and in guest lectures. Amittia also provides training and consultation services focused on racial equity and mental health. She serves in leadership roles in local, state, and national venues focused on infant and early childhood, the African American community, and Black social workers.
By the end of this presentation participants will be able to:
- Describe racial disparities in mental health
- Conduct a self assessment, with particular attention to their knowledge, skills, and actions for racial equity and justice
- Identify at least two intentional actions to move towards using a racially sensitive approach in their ministry and the provision of emotional and spiritual support
NACC Certification Competencies: PIC6, PPS3
