The Mental Health Services Conference 2021: On Demand-System Heal Thyself: Acknowledging and Addressing Structural Trauma in the Mental Health System

System Heal Thyself: Acknowledging and Addressing Structural Trauma in the Mental Health System

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this video, Dr. Piri Ackerman-Barger discusses the concept of microaggressions in healthcare settings and introduces the triangle model as a framework for addressing them. She emphasizes the importance of empathy, inquiry, and education when responding to microaggressions. Stephanie Keeney-Parks shares her research on the experiences of black parents raising children with autism and the disparities they face in healthcare and education systems. She challenges assumptions and calls for healthcare professionals to center the experiences and narratives of black families in understanding and addressing autism.<br /><br />The video also features discussions on supporting individuals with disabilities within the black family structure. Dr. Smith shares her experience intentionally misdiagnosing her child with ADHD to protect him from stigmatization associated with an autism diagnosis. The video highlights the need for understanding and empathy in diagnosing and supporting individuals with disabilities, considering the unique challenges faced by black families.<br /><br />Polly McKinney shares her personal experience navigating the mental health system for her son and advocates for a holistic approach to addressing the needs of children and families. She emphasizes the importance of empathy, ongoing support, and system-level changes in improving care and reducing barriers.<br /><br />The video concludes by highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach that considers the unique circumstances and challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and their families. It calls for collaboration across systems and a reevaluation of current practices to provide more effective and equitable care.

Keywords

microaggressions

healthcare settings

triangle model

empathy

black parents

autism

disparities

healthcare professionals

black families

mental health system

holistic approach