Reframing the Narrative: Racial Disparities in Infant Mental Health and Pathways for Wellness and Healing

Dr. Parker’s research, teaching, and service focus on advancing minority mental health and equity, with a particular interest in Black and Latinx populations with young children. She has 15 years of experience as a mental health consultant across a variety of settings and these experiences both enhance and inform her research and teaching. 

Racially and ethnically diverse communities have unique needs, preferences, and experiences that must be considered among the interdisciplinary infant and early childhood mental health workforce. Participants will be invited to explore their own cultural backgrounds, beliefs, values, and biases and the extent to which it impacts how they support the mental health and wellness of those they serve. Strategies for reducing bias and responding in culturally sensitive ways will be shared.

Objectives:

1. Describe the ways that their intersecting identities, privilege, bias, and power influences who they are, and how they are supporting the mental health of families with young children.
2. Identify multiple ways of supporting the mental health, wellness, and healing of families that are expecting or caring for young children
3. Learn strategies to reduce bias and respond in more culturally centered ways
4. Engage in critical self-reflection and dialogue, and develop a plan for next steps

5.5 hours NYSED CEUs are provided by the UB School of Social Work Office of Continuing Education for LMSW/LCSW, LMHC, LMFT, LCAT, and PSY. Full attendance is required; no partial credit will be awarded for partial attendance.

5.5 Endorsement® Competencies are available in the following areas: Pregnancy & Early Parenthood, Cultural Humility, Self Awareness, Service Delivery Systems and Supporting Others. 

The 2023 Endorsement® requirement of 1 hour of training specific diversity, equity, and inclusion in IMH is also met with this workshop.