Decolonizing Mental Health Services for Indigenous Clients: A Training Program for Mental Health Professionals. Issue 3 (18th December 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lewis, Melissa E.; Hartwell, Erica E.; Myhra, Laurelle L.
• Is Part Of: American journal of community psychology. Volume 62:Issue 3/4(2018)
• Page Start: 330
• Page End: 339
• Publication Date: 2018-12-18
• Subjects: Decolonization -- Indigenous -- Mental health -- Knowledge -- Empathy -- Cultural competence; Community psychology -- Periodicals; Community mental health services -- Periodicals; Community psychiatry -- Periodicals; Community Mental Health Services -- Periodicals; Community Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 155.905
• DOI: 10.1002/ajcp.12288
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0091-0562

Abstract

Abstract: Culturally appropriate mental health services are essential for Indigenous people who suffer the greatest mental health disparities of any ethnic group in the U.S. However, few mental health professionals receive training to work with this population. To fill this gap, a 90‐minute training was created to increase knowledge of and empathy for Indigenous people and culture and therefore, improve mental health services for Indigenous patients. This training is grounded in cultural competency, cultural humility, and decolonialism. The training is presented here for mental health professionals, agencies, and administrators to use as a guide. The training aims to increase knowledge, awareness, and skills and has been implemented in a variety of settings receiving positive feedback from participants and administrators. Highlights: This brief 90‐minute training program can be delivered in a wide variety of professional settings. This program increases clinician's knowledge, awareness, and skills to work with Indigenous clients. The program is described in detail so that readers can learn from it and implement it widely.