Influence of Culture on Care in Behavioral Health for Paraprofessionals

Course Code: REL-BHC-0-ICATBH

Hours: 0.5

Type: Online Course

Content Expiration Date: 12/31/2026

Learning Objectives:
Describe the ways that cultural, racial, and ethnic variations are associated with health disparities and barriers to accessing behavioral health services.
Explain why cultural competence is critical in behavioral health services and the components that make up culturally competent care.
Identify at least three ways you can enhance your awareness of cultural, racial, and ethnic variations.

Outline:
Section 1: Introduction

About This Course

Learning Objectives

Section 2: Cultural Issues in Behavioral Health

Meet Tony

Culture

Behavioral Health Disparities Among Cultural Groups

Barriers to Treatment

Cultural Competence

Implementing Cultural Awareness in Client Care

Review

Summary

Section 3: Conclusion

Summary

Course Contributors

References

Instructor: Bryn Davis, LPC, MAC

Bryn Davis received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology & Sociology from the University of Virginia and a Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lynchburg College. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia and a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in North Carolina. She also holds a national certification as a Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) through NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals. Additionally, she is certified as a Clinical Telemental Health Provider. Prior to joining Relias in 2020, she served as Clinical Director of a community mental health agency, developed an intensive treatment program for individuals diagnosed with substance use disorders, and provided outpatient counseling focused on trauma-informed care.

Expert Reviewer: John J. S. Harrichand, Ph.D., LMHC (NY), LPC (VA), NCC, CCMHC, ACS

Dr. John Harrichand is a Canadian of Chinese and East Indian ancestry who was born and raised in Guyana, South America. He is an Assistant Professor of Counselor Education and Mental Health Counseling Coordinator at The State University of New York at Brockport. Dr. Harrichand completed an Honors Bachelors of Science in Psychology and Integrative Biology at the University of Toronto, a Master’s of Arts in Counselling from Providence Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision (CACREP accredited) from Liberty University. His clinical work focuses on community mental health and college/university student communities experiencing and/or recovering from trauma and substance use challenges. Dr. Harrichand publishes in the areas of counselor education leadership and burnout, multiculturalism, professional and social justice advocacy, international students’ education and retention, counselor preparation, and group counseling for anxiety, among others. He engages in professional service at the local, state, and national levels within the American Counseling Association and its divisions, including the Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development and the Association for Spiritual, Ethical, and Religious Values in Counseling.

Editor: Amanda Gayle, Ph.D.

Amanda Gayle received her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Tennessee.  She completed a pre-doctoral internship at the University of Georgia in the Counseling and Testing Center.  She also completed a post-doctoral fellowship at Duke University Medical Center in the Occupational Health Department working in both the internal and external employee assistance programs.  She is licensed in North Carolina where she was in private practice for 15 years serving primarily adults in individual and couples counseling with many presenting issues.  Her focus was on cognitive behavioral therapy to treat anxiety, mood disorders, grief, relationship difficulties, stress management, self-esteem, and parenting.  She joined Relias as a subject matter expert writer for behavioral health in 2021.

Target Audience:
The target audience for this course is: General Staff; in the following settings: Health and Human Services.

Relias Learning will be transparent in disclosing if any commercial support, sponsorship or co-providership is present prior to the learner completing the course.

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Course Delivery Method and Format
Asynchronous Distance Learning with interactivity which includes quizzes with questions/answers, and posttests.