A discussion about how therapists can increase mental health access for African American individuals and communities

Interview-style, with Elizabeth Irias, LMFT

  • Course Description

    Considering the recent racial unrest in our society and the emotional toll of racism, one would envision that African Americans would seek mental health support, but stigma and access can hinder the ability for some of the most vulnerable of our society to gain services to address the toll of systemic racism. This course covers the reality of generational trauma and the needs of minority communities to gain access and control of their mental health treatment. This course also discusses particular cultural and socioeconomic factors that may come into play, affecting the pursuit of mental health treatment in the African American community.

  • Learning Objectives

    Upon completing this course, participants will be able to: Discuss specific cultural factors that may inhibit pursuit of and access to mental health care in the African American community; List two or more instances of historical/generational traumas that may contribute to a lack of trust in medical/mental health professionals by African American individuals/families; List two or more strategies mental health professionals can employ to increase therapeutic trust with African American individuals/families


    Target Audience and Instructional Level
    This course is intended for psychologists, therapists, social workers, clinical counselors, and addiction counselors. Instructional level: Introductory & Intermediate

  • How To Take This Course

    In order to receive a certificate of completion reflecting the associated CE credit hour, you must:
    #1: Have an active paid Clearly Clinical membership
    #2: Listen to the corresponding course podcast
    #3: Achieve a passing grade on the post-presentation test (the test has up to ten questions and you must earn a score of at least 80%; you are able to re-test)
    #4: Complete the requested course evaluation.

    Course elements (including the course audio, post-test, and requested course evaluation) can be completed on a computer or mobile device via your Clearly Clinical account.

  • Course Format

    This high-quality and interesting course contains a one-hour, non-interactive audio podcast presentation which is available for free via all major public podcast providers. You can also listen to and download the file via our course player.

  • Commercial Support

    There is no known commercial support or conflict of interest for this CE program, presenter, sponsor, instructor, or content.

  • Certificate Access Details

    Once you've completed the course, your certificate will automatically populate in the 'Certificate' section of your account; it will also be emailed to you. Access to completion certificate will expire 365 days after issuance. Course certificates will be on file for ten (10) years from date of course completion.

  • Accommodations

    If you have special needs or need an accommodation, please email us at info@clearlyclinical.com and we will do our best to assist you.

Interviewee & Interviewer

Dr. Tammy Hodo

Sociology and Urban Studies Expert

Dr. Hodo is the founder and President of All Things Diverse LLC, which provides consulting services to businesses, academic institutions, non-profit organizations, and government entities who value diversity and want to develop a high performing inclusive workforce. All Things Diverse, LLC is dedicated to helping organizations realize the full potential that can only be achieved through deliberate action. The company is committed to helping its clients create a workplace culture of belonging where everyone can thrive. Some of the services her company offer include diversity, equity, and inclusion training and workshops, assessments and surveys, strategic diversity planning and diversity audits.

Tammy earned her Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in Urban Studies, with a minor in Sociology in which she specializations in Race, Class, Gender, and Ethnicity. She worked in academia for over 15 years in a variety of positions, including faculty and university administrator. Her most recent administrative role was the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for a law school where she was responsible for policy development and overall institutional compliance for students, faculty, and staff related to discrimination and harassment. Tammy completed a Visiting Assistant Professor of Sociology position at the University of North Florida (UNF). She taught Urban Sociology and Racial and Ethnic Minorities. Tammy continues to be active in academia as she writes academic articles relevant to the experiences of minorities in America. Tammy is also a veteran of the U.S. Navy. Please visit Dr. Hodo at AllThingsDiverse.com.

Elizabeth 'Beth' Irias, MS, LMFT

Interviewer & Clearly Clinical Founder

Elizabeth 'Beth' Irias (she/her) is a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and the Founder and President of Clearly Clinical. She has specializations in Clinical Documentation, Best Practice, and Utilization Review, and works closely with clinical teams across the US as a trainer and national conference presenter; Beth was formerly an adjunct professor at Pepperdine University in the Graduate Psychology and Education department. Licensed in California and Oregon, she provides therapy via her private practice to young adult and adult clients, members of the LGBTQ population, and those with addictive disorders. She has two young children, a super cool spouse who helps out with Clearly Clinical's tech, and a rescue dog.

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  • CONVENIENT: All courses are 1-hour podcast episodes, available on all public podcast platforms

  • AFFORDABLE: We offer quality CE courses through a reasonably-priced membership

  • SOCIALLY-RESPONSIBLE: We donate to The Trevor Project for LGBTQIA+ youth suicide prevention

  • WOMEN-OWNED: We are founded and run by Elizabeth Irias, LMFT

  • DIVERSE: We highlight expert presenters from historically-marginalized communities

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