Developing Culturally Competent Treatment with Racially and
Ethnically Diverse Clients
Workshop Description
Racial and ethnic minority groups are underserved by the mental health services system
in the United States and North Carolina. Providers encounter increased demand for
culturally/linguistically relevant services by funders, consumers and other stakeholders.
Competent human service professionals want to provide culturally appropriate services.
Yet providers may observe a differential use of services by racially or ethically
marginalized populations. In addition, they may often feel limited by actual or perceived
judgement if they “get it wrong”.
This workshop is suited for any provider that believes “…my professional education
shouldn’t come at my client’s expense”. The workshop will define and discuss culturally
competent treatment. Participants will assess their readiness to provide culturally
competent treatment. Additional program focus includes the impact of culture on helpseeking behaviors and appropriate mental health treatment. Opportunities for skill
development occur through introspection, discussion, and activity—many participants
elect to bring de-identified case scenarios for small group discussion.
This workshop is limited to 25 participants, so register early to avoid disappointment!
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this workshop, participants should increase their ability to:
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Explore treatment of mental illness using a culturally sensitive lens
Discuss the influence that self awareness and clinician bias have in relationship to
culturally competent treatment
Examine the link between family and community in seeking and accepting help
Offer tools to assist clinicians in exploring culture with an emphasis on holistic
treatment
Target Audience
This workshop offers valuable information for all human service and health care
practitioners and professionals who want to work more effectively with clients from
different cultures and ethnic backgrounds. This includes psychologists, social workers,
counselors, substance abuse professionals, nurses, case managers, marriage and family
therapists, school counselors, social service personnel, clergy, child and youth clinicians,
and all interested others.
Credit
6.0 hours
Agenda
REGISTRATION
 Exploring Cultural Competency and Mental Health
 BREAK
Challenges and Strengths that Culture Brings to the Clinical Relationship
 LUNCH (on your own)
 Using Culturally Specific Treatment Tools
 BREAK
 Identifying as a Culturally Competent Practitioner
ADJOURNMENT
Faculty
Carmen Crosby, PhD, MSW, LMSW is an experienced research analyst, clinical
therapist and program consultant. She maintains dual i.e., micro and macro licensure. She
received her PhD from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill where she focused
on the development, application and evaluation of prevention research. Carmen received
her MSW in Interpersonal Practice with Children, Youth, Families and Society from the
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Dr. Crosby frequently presents on practitioner
considerations (e.g., ethics, cross-cultural competency) and translation research. Her
workshops connect the current trends in practice-based evidence and evidence-based
research through application, training and consultation. As a presenter, Carmen is both
practical and engaging. She is uses energy, plain talk, and even humor to engage
participants in difficult topics.