Addressing the Elephant in the Room: Healing Beyond Bias in Black Mental Health

This workshop invites psychologists to confront the implicit and explicit biases that influence clinical relationships with African American clients. Through interactive dialogue and role-based scenarios, participants will explore the psychological impact of racial trauma, microaggressions, and cultural mistrust within the therapeutic process. The session will present evidence-based frameworks for cultural responsiveness and emphasize the clinician’s role in fostering racial healing, safety, and ethical practice. Participants will gain:

* Increased awareness of cognitive and racial bias in clinical settings.

* Strategies for applying cultural humility and intersectional frameworks in therapy.

* Tools for repairing harm and strengthening cross-cultural therapeutic alliances.