Adapting trauma-informed interventions for racial trauma considerations: A training model.

Abstract

Racial stress and trauma (RST) represent an increasing risk for mental health sequelae for people of color. There exists a need to enhance training for mental health providers (MHPs) in best practices concerning RST. To meet this need, this article describes the design of the Addressing Racial Stress and Trauma (ARST) workshop, which integrates principles of cognitive behavioral therapy and multicultural therapy. The ARST provides guidance to MHPs utilizing evidence-based trauma-focused cognitive behavioral protocols and skills such as: (a) identifying relevant cultural factors related to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and RST; (b) assessing the presence of RST in the context of posttraumatic stress; and (c) using specific strategies for integrating cultural sensitivity into the treatment of PTSD and RST. The ARST workshop provides educational content that can be tailored to setting or population in an initial 2-hr format, health professions students took part in ARST, tailored to a university counseling setting. A pilot evaluation of pre-post training data showed: (a) multicultural attitudes were positively affected, (b) factual knowledge improved, and (c) pre-post shifts in intent to apply training content to practice emerged. These early outcomes are particularly valuable given the early career stage of trainees; provision of training for culturally competence, especially during the early stages of one's clinical career, may have positive impacts on use of such skills and client experience. The ARST workshop adds to an emerging literature attending to the impact of racism through first-line evidence-based trauma-focused therapies. Implications and future directions for training, practice, and ARST development are provided. Clinical Impact StatementThis study suggests that the Addressing Racial Stress and Trauma workshop can improve providers' knowledge, attitudes, and skills in providing culturally responsive trauma-focused care. Additionally, we provide a description of the educational program that can be applied in a variety of other practice settings.

Training in Trauma-Responsive and Anti-racist Telehealth: A Model for Behavioral Health Clinicians and Providers

“…For BIPOC clients more specifically, cultural humility and practices that promote racial trauma healing are essential (Ash et al, 2023;Metzger et al, 2021). However, few providers receive graduate training in cultural adaptations of trauma treatments (Ennis et al, 2020;Hall-Clark et al, 2024) or telehealth (Perle et al, 2023). Continuing education on trauma-informed, anti-racist telehealth competencies is needed to more competently translate research to practice (Dhawan & LeBlanc, 2022).…”