Building an Antiracist Practice

Racism is a system of oppression that targets individuals who are members of particular racial groups, specifically racial groups who are the minority and/or marginalized. As a system, racism impacts many parts of society including individuals, professional organizations, social norms, and more. Unsurprisingly, the mental health field and its providers are not exempt from the impacts of racism. It is important for mental health providers to be aware of the historical and current impacts of racism, both within and outside the clinical space, as it can influence many parts of clinical work (e.g., clinical dynamics, case conceptualization, access to care). Though having an awareness as well as understanding of racism is necessary, it is essential for clinicians to be aware of ways they may be participating in the system of racism. To ensure equitable care for all clients, it is important for clinicians to integrate an antiracist approach into their work as it will enhance quality and effectiveness of clinical care.

What does it mean to be antiracist? Antiracism is an idea that was introduced by Ibram Kendi in his book “How to Be An Antiracist” and as it’s explained in The New York Times, “For Kendi, the founding director of the Antiracist Research and Policy Center at American University, there are no nonracists; there are only racists — people who allow racist ideas to proliferate without opposition — and antiracists, those who expose and eradicate such ideas wherever they encounter them.” For clinicians, this means that not only do they need to be aware of racism and its impact on their clients, but also to be educated enough to try to help their clients by exposing and acknowledging how race is impacting their client’s presenting needs.

A key step in an antiracist approach is expanding your knowledge of the long-standing history of racism, its insidious nature, and what steps clinicians can take to address this impact in their work. In this guide there are sources to learn more about antiracism, both within and outside of clinical spaces, with the hope that you can explore, reflect, and if needed, modify, your own practices, policies, and procedures to align with an antiracism framework.

General Antiracism Organizations

Below find articles, videos, books, podcasts and toolkits to help you learn more about the antiracist movement. These resources provide information about antiracism without a clinical focus. The resources are from a variety of professionals and offer views of antiracism from different perspectives and contexts. These tools provide a more comprehensive and wider understanding of the antiracist movement and its applications which can positively impact clinical work.

Articles

Videos

Books

Guides/Toolkits

Podcasts

Antiracist Organizations

In learning more about antiracism, joining or exploring an organization may help you build a community of those learning more about this movement. The organizations below can provide resources to expand knowledge about antiracism as well as opportunities to continue the advancement of antiracism.

National Network to Eliminate Disparities in Behavioral Health (NNED)

The NNED supports information sharing, networking, and engagement among organizations and communities dedicated to the behavioral health needs and well-being of underserved communities. The NNED identifies and links resources in improving the delivery of behavioral health care interventions and promoting access to high-quality and affordable behavioral healthcare services and support for all.

Racial Equity Tools (RET)

RET is built to support individuals and groups working to advance racial equity and justice on every level - systems, organizations, communities, and the culture at large. It provides tools, research, tips, and curricula for individuals and groups working to build their knowledge and to support those working for racial justice.

Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity (SEED)

SEED partners with communities, organizations, and institutions in bringing people together to learn through self-reflection, build relationships through structured dialogue, and create change through systemic analysis working toward social justice and a commitment to wholeness, wellness, and a just relationship with others. At the core of SEED, the staff team trains new leaders to facilitate seminars in their own communities, organizations, and institutions.

Showing Up For Racial Justice: Boston

SURJ Boston is a local chapter of Showing Up For Racial Justice, a national network of groups and individuals organizing White people for racial justice. Through community organizing, mobilizing, and education, SURJ moves White people to act as part of a multi-racial majority for justice with passion and accountability.

Clincal Antiracism Resources

Below find articles, videos, podcasts, toolkits, and continuing education units to help you learn more about the antiracist movement as it relates to mental health. These tools share information about navigating antiracism in clinical settings such as the impact on racism to mental health, strategies for utilizing an antiracist framework in clinical practice, and suggestions for providing equitable mental health care.

Articles

Videos

Podcasts

Guides/Toolkits

Continuing Education Units (CEU's)

Disclaimer: Material on the William James INTERFACE Referral Service website is intended as general information. It is not a recommendation for treatment, nor should it be considered medical or mental health advice. The William James INTERFACE Referral Service urges families to discuss all information and questions related to medical or mental health care with a health care professional.