Cultural and Contextual Bias in Diagnosis

1.5 NBCC-approved CEs in Diagnosis awarded

Training Description

This 90-minute interactive training examines how cultural and contextual biases shape the way mental health symptoms are interpreted and diagnosed. Traditional diagnostic frameworks often fail to capture the lived experiences of marginalized populations, leading to misdiagnosis, underdiagnosis, or pathologizing of normal cultural expressions.

Through discussion, self-assessment, and practical application, participants will explore the foundations of cultural competency and its role in reducing disparities in mental health outcomes. Special attention will be given to working with Black clients, highlighting how cultural knowledge, acceptance, and understanding are essential to accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Participants will leave with actionable strategies for building self-awareness, addressing personal bias, and applying culturally responsive diagnostic practices.

Learning Objectives

• Define cultural competency and describe its role in ethical and accurate mental health diagnosis.

• Identify and examine personal biases that may impact diagnostic decisions.

• Recognize cultural and contextual factors that influence how symptoms are expressed, perceived, and diagnosed across diverse populations.

• Apply practical strategies to improve cultural responsiveness in assessment and treatment planning.

• Develop awareness of disparities in mental health care and learn approaches to reduce misdiagnosis among Black clients and other marginalized groups.

Facilitator Bio: Myisha Jackson, MS, LPC-S

Myisha Jackson is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and the Founder/CEO of Healing Journey Counseling Center, where she leads a thriving practice focused on therapy, supervision, and advocacy for underrepresented communities. With a deep commitment to addressing mental health disparities and empowering the Black community, Myisha’s work spans clinical care, education, and public speaking.

A proud graduate of the University of Louisiana Monroe, she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Her dual background in criminal justice and counseling uniquely positions her to understand and address systemic and cultural challenges in mental health.

Myisha is also a seasoned conference presenter:

• In 2022, she presented Diagnosing African American Clients at the Louisiana Counseling Association (LCA) Conference.

• In 2023, she presented Cultural Competency in Mental Health at LCA, continuing her advocacy for equity in diagnosis and treatment.

• In 2024, alongside colleague Calvary Sampson, she co-presented Beneath the Surface: Exploring the Hidden Realities of Anxiety and Depression in High-Achieving Black Women at LCA, which earned them the award for Best Presentation of the Year.

Her professional insights have been featured in Forbes, Essence, Health, SELF, Bustle, US News, and numerous podcasts. Beyond recognition, Myisha’s mission is to normalize therapy, reduce stigma, and ensure that cultural context is not overlooked in mental health care.