Addressing Intersectionality in Behavioral Health Care
Patients’ experiences of psychological dysfunction and dysregulation are often exacerbated by the presence of intersecting identities. These identities are often indicative of groups that are underserved and marginalized. Treatment providers often do not recognize the intersecting identities or the impact of the experience of marginalization and discrimination on the overall well-being of the patient. These stressors along with the accompanying gap in knowledge of the providers may lead to a reduction in the efficacy of treatment and lack of engagement on the part of the patient. This presentation will discuss the presence of multiple minority identities in a significant portion of the population served. It will elucidate the impact of racism, discrimination, and oppression on the mental health and wellness of patients experiencing challenges with mental health conditions. Topics such as assessment, referral, and recovery-oriented treatment of underserved and minority populations.
Target Audience
All behavioral health and mental health providers
Learning Objectives
By the completion of this session, participants should be able to:
- Identify two strategies for effectively engaging patients with intersecting identities
- Illustrate three examples of patients with intersecting identities that exacerbate symptoms
- Recommend at least one change in process to identify patients with intersecting identities.
Additional Information
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
Demond Bledsoe Presentation Form.docx | 71.48 KB |
Demond E. Bledsoe, PhD, LPC
Sr. Program Director
UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Demond E. Bledsoe has served as a Sr. Program Director with Western Psychiatric Hospital for the past 6 years. His responsibilities include providing clinical support to inpatient Behavioral Health Units in UPMC facilities as well as several outpatient sites. His research and scholarly writings focus on the impacts of psychological trauma and diversity in behavioral healthcare and clinician training. He has worked in a variety of treatment settings throughout his career and has served on numerous state and local boards and committees. Doctor Bledsoe received his Doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision from Duquesne University.
One credit from this site:
CME
APA
LSW/LCSW/LPC/LMFT
One credit from Education and Consultative Services of UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital (please answer the questions in your evaluation re: the CE credits (add in your name, e-mail address, and which CE credit from the below list that you need):
NCC
General CEU
Available Credit
- 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
- 1.00 APA
- 1.00 ASWB
- 1.00 Attendance