The Urgent Need for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging in Behavioral Healthcare

The Urgent Need for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging in Behavioral Healthcare

12.22.22Julia Brunson

Disparities in both access to health services and treatment outcomes have become increasingly evident for individuals from historically underrepresented communities. Social injustice and prejudice impact the health and well-being of BIPOC and LGBTQ+ individuals, and difficulty trusting the behavioral healthcare system discourages many people away from seeking help.

Recognizing these current realities, the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP) launched an action plan to promote change in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) practices in addiction treatment centers. Many behavioral health providers want to promote health equity, establish a more diverse staff and client base, and create more inclusive work and clinical environments, but they may not know where to begin or how to continuously improve. Just as treatment providers apply the Stages of Change in their work with patients, this model can help leaders chart a path to DEIB best practices.

This presentation will introduce NAATP’s Stages of Change Model for DEIB Best Practices, which can help providers – both those just starting this work and those who are well on their way – to identify areas for growth and specific action steps. Participants will learn how to use the Assessment Tool within their organizations to develop an action plan, and presenters will share examples of working with treatment providers at various stages of readiness for DEIB work.

There are no CE’s available for this webinar.