Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Clinical Practice

Course overview

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.