Training Description:

"When a Black woman suffers from a mental disorder, the overwhelming opinion is that she is weak [which] is intolerable.”
–Meri Danquah

Since women experience depression at rates twice that of men, society may expect the percentage of Black women receiving care to mirror that of White women. However, Black women are only about half as likely to seek care. Why these numbers are so different needs to be explored. Black women face a unique type of gendered racism that negative impacts mental health. This unique experience known as the strong black woman schema is associated with increased psychological  distress. This presentation of anxiety and depression as a result of the SBWS does not manifest the way it does for non-black individuals, causing clinicians to often misinterpret and misdiagnose. 

This webinar  is designed to equip and educate clinicians to be culturally competent and responsive when working with Black women. While also providing culturally adequate resources, interventions and support to clients to decrease risk factors and to normalize mental health. Participants will receive 2 CE Credits.

As a result of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Describe the intersectional challenges facing Black women & understand the impact of racism on Black women's mental health 
• Explain the Strong Black Woman schema & it's impact on mental health symptoms & explain the fear of seeking support
• Identify interventions that can reduce stress and improve coping among Black women  

Biography

America Allen is a licensed clinical social worker in NC.  She has been in the mental health field for more than 10 years. She obtained her bachelor's degree in sociology and social economic justice from University of NC at Chapel Hill and then completed her Master's Degree in Social Work at  North Carolina Central University.  America’s experience has ranged from crisis consultation, community mental health, primary care clinics and local government prior to full time private practice. America has a wealth of experience in parenting and attachment,  is a trained perinatal and postpartum mental health professional + has also been trained in EMDR and other trauma focused therapies to help bridge the gap for mental health services for Black women and women of color.

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