Introduction to Cultural Variations in Behavioral Health for Paraprofessionals

Course Code: REL-BHC-0-ICVBHP

Hours: 0.5

Type: Online Course

Content Expiration Date: 12/31/2026

Learning Objectives:
Differentiate between race, culture, ethnicity, and nationality as sources of diversity.
Describe what cultural identity means and the various factors that impact it.
Summarize at least three ways that acculturation affects a person’s symptoms and response to treatment.

Outline:
Section 1: Introduction

About This Course

Learning Objectives

Section 2: Cultural Variations in Behavioral Health

Culture

Diversity

Cultural Identity

Acculturation

Cultural Competency

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.

Subject Matter Expert: 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.

Target Audience:
The target audience for this course is: Direct Care Staff; in the following settings: Behavioral Health: Community 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.

Relias Learning has a grievance policy in place to facilitate reports of dissatisfaction. Relias Learning will make every effort to resolve each grievance in a mutually satisfactory manner. In order to report a complaint or grievance please contact Relias Learning at support@reliaslearning.com.

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