Stigma and Bias in Behavioral Health
Laura Hinds, MSW, LCSW

January 31, 2024, 1:00pm-3:00pm EST

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Racial and use bias has been demonstrated in the research related to Behavioral Health and Medically Assisted Therapy. The conclusion that has been drawn is that even well-meaning providers and staff hold biases that impact how and to whom they offer care and medicinal support for Substance Use Disorder (SUD). This lecture explores this research and supports participants in reflecting on, identifying, and mitigating this reality so as to offer equitable respect and support for everyone living with SUD. A

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• List the ways in which bias affects Behavioral Health Treatment and intervention for people living with Substance Use Disorder.
• Define the difference between implicit and explicit bias, and how to identify them.
• Recite at least three ways to identify and address their implicit bias in relation to their work in Behavioral Health.

PRESENTERS

Laura Hinds, MSW, LCSW, is a clinical social worker with experience in medical, behavioral and mental health settings.  Laura has had the pleasure of working with high acuity special needs populations and their providers for over 22 years.  An alumna and instructor at Penn’s School of Social Policy and Practice for 13 years, and Bryn Mawr’s School of Social Work and Social Research’s for the past 4 years, Laura has supported the learning and education of new social workers, veterans in the field, and their interdisciplinary partners.  With a focus on trauma, human and gender development, racial equity, and crisis intervention Laura supports special needs populations and those who serve them.