Services

Advocacy and Public Speaking

In my work, I support diverse communities — immigrants, LGBTQ+ folks, people of color, essential workers — through behavioral health initiatives. I am mindful of the role sociocultural factors play in how we perceive and give meaning to our experiences, which influences how we behave. I advocate for cultural humility among caregivers with the goal of improving the quality of services provided to unserved and underserved populations.

Public speaking is one of many platforms for advocacy. I always appreciate the opportunity to not only share my expertise, but also to hear your stories and answer questions. Here are some links to recent presentations and conversations.

Why We Should Bring Conversations About Race and Racism to the Table

In my keynote address for NAMI California’s 2020 Multicultural Symposium, I discuss the pandemic, Black Lives Matter, mask wearing, and the importance of confronting racism in our communities as we pursue the North Star of equity and inclusion.

Training in the Field

Injustice impacts our health. Many communities face stigmas and institutionalized challenges when it comes to seeking and receiving quality behavioral health care. To break down barriers to access, each of us must reflect critically on our role: Are we helping to perpetuate a problem, or are we actively working to ensure that everyone’s needs are being met? We are in a place and time where many people’s rights are being questioned and taken away. Behavioral health care providers have a responsibility to act as social justice advocates and policy leaders: We must be brave and vulnerable. We must challenge the status quo. We must expose unjust systems at their roots and plant the seeds of change.  

Not sure how to go about this? I can help. As an educator, I work with diverse community members to combat the negative stereotypes related to seeking help for mental health and substance use concerns. I also teach clinicians (such as nurses, therapists, doctors), researchers, and social service providers how to be sensitive and responsive to people with different ethnicities, backgrounds, and circumstances. Whether at community events, conferences, or seminars, I talk about treatment, effective outreach and intervention, as well as broader issues of cultural competency and diversity.

A Framework for Confronting Racism in Behavioral Health 

This webinar was part of the series Eliminating Inequities in Behavioral Health Care, sponsored by the state Department of Health Care Services. In it, Adele James and I offered a framework for confronting racism at multiple levels within behavioral health organizations. Our target audience included behavioral health care leadership, administrators, and managers; ethnic service managers; peer professionals, clinical supervisors; clinicians/direct care providers; and care managers.

A Call to Action: Our Responsibility as Leaders to Address Structural Racism and Resulting Health Inequities

This webinar, sponsored by the College for Behavioral Health Leadership, considered how public health crises — such as the COVID-19 pandemic — expose existing inequities and make them worse, particularly for people in disenfranchised communities. In it, Dr. Larissa J. Estes and I helped prepare community leaders to identify and understand the disparities experienced by populations they serve, to engage in difficult conversations about structural racism and the resulting inequities, and to develop collaborative strategies to address the issues.

In Pandemic, Health Care Leaders Find Strength Through Vulnerability and Connection

This video interview, part of a series of conversations with colleagues, revolves around COVID-19’s impact on essential workers. In it, I talk about how the pandemic has shown that vulnerability can be a strength for health care providers. Sometimes when people have questions, we don’t have the answers — and that’s OK.  

Private Practice and Therapy

The decision to seek counseling for a personal situation can be tough. My primary role as a psychologist is to provide a safe space where you can talk openly, support you as you sort out any problem areas in your life, and help you explore ways to cope.  My style is interactive and participatory. In therapy, I consider your sociocultural context (such as your race and ethnicity, religion or spiritual practices, cultural beliefs and traditions, educational and immigration status, employment, etc.) and its influence on your situation.

I may use storytelling, assign homework or exercises, or administer evaluation-type tests (such as asking you to draw) to help us better understand your experiences.  I work with individuals, couples, or families on a spectrum of issues, from improving day-to-day communication or “feeling stuck” to addressing concerns such as depression, anxiety, and addiction. I also facilitate group sessions focused on domestic violence, trauma, and stress management.

Marin Specialists Urge Mental Self-Care in Virus Crisis

During this tele-town hall meeting hosted by state Assemblymember Marc Levine, I talk about how feelings of anxiety can creep up when you’re sheltering in place during the COVID-19 pandemic — and how to cope with them.