About this Workshop
Implicit bias is a hidden preference for one identity over another, such as race, skin color, ethnicity, cultural factors, etc. (Banaji & Greenwald, 2016). Past experiences affect our biases, which are unconscious (Greenwald and Banaji, 1995). Implicit bias remains a pervasive and insidious obstacle due to its unconscious nature. These biases may result in discriminatory practices, attitudes, and unhealthy dynamics in clinical practice which compromise ongoing efforts to counter bias. In an effort to limit prejudice and biases, the American Psychological Association (APA) ethical code specifies that, “Psychologists try to eliminate the effect on their work of biases based on those factors, and they do not knowingly participate in or condone activities of others based upon such prejudices” (APA, 2021). Although attempts are being made to meet this crucial ethical standard, implicit bias unfortunately undermines these efforts. As a result, it is crucial that clinicians and other mental health providers are equipped with necessary skills to combat implicit bias and promote empirically-supported best-practices. Those who participate in this workshop will be introduced to several strategies used to combat implicit bias. Participants will also be able to accurately define implicit bias, as well as various forms of racism present in clinical practice. Those who participate in this training will leave with an understanding of the impact of implicit bias on mental health disparities, clinical practices, and successfully explain strategies for recognizing and interrupting implicit bias within clinical practice.
