SOUL SESSIONS

While behavioral health challenges such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance use are growing concerns in Black communities, stigma, misdiagnosis, and systemic inequities often prevent individuals from getting the support they need. This workshop equips providers with culturally responsive tools and strategies to close the care gap.

Why This Matters

• More than 16% of Black Americans report having a mental illness — over 7 million people

• ~90% of Black people age 12+ with substance use disorders go untreated

• Only 39% of Black adults with mental health concerns receive care

• Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for Black males ages 15–24

• Black communities are 4× more likely to face provider shortages; only 2% of psychologists are Black

Learning Objectives

Upon completion, participants will be able to:

• Identify at least 3 social determinants of health impacting behavioral health outcomes in Black communities

• Describe patterns of misdiagnosis and clinical bias affecting Black patients

• Apply 2+ culturally responsive clinical assessment strategies in practice

• Identify barriers to treatment engagement and evidence-based strategies to address them

• Describe the impact of racial trauma on mental health outcomes and its clinical implications

Teaching Methods

• Lecture and didactic instruction

• Case study application

• Group discussion and Q&A

Audio/video presentation · Experiential reflection