Being culturally informed as a clinician is vital to serving underrepresented populations and individuals. This training will introduce key components of cultural competence and discuss the unique challenges that Black Americans face in substance use and treatment. Concepts such as bias, stereotyping, and discrimination will highlight the need to utilize effective interview techniques, 14 principles of effective substance abuse treatment, and clinical resources to enhance your ability to assess, intervene, and support Black Americans in their substance use treatment.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:
- Identify key considerations of substance use in the Black community.
- Describe culturally sensitive approaches to providing substance abuse services.
- Explain at least two intervention approaches to supporting Black clients with substance use disorder.
Syllabus:
Objective #1: Cultural Competence and Ethical Foundations
- NASW Code of Ethics on cultural awareness and humility
- The 10 Standards for Cultural Competence
- Addressing systemic oppression, privilege, and social diversity in clinical care
- Importance of critical self-reflection and honoring client expertise
Objective #2: Harmful Assumptions and Stereotypes
- Case example: Lamar Johnson and the life-threatening impact of bias
- The danger of labeling Black patients as “drug seekers”
- How provider bias influences outcomes and trust in care
- Commitment to rejecting racialized assumptions in assessment and treatment
Objective #3: Clinical Vignettes and Positive Shifts
- Culturally informed care through reassessment and curiosity
- Recognizing how training can help disrupt automatic judgments
- Highlighting the impact of culturally sensitive intervention on patient outcomes
- Encouraging advocacy within healthcare teams
Objective #4: Substance Use Trends and Risk Factors
- Black Americans have lower rates of binge drinking, yet higher overdose death increases
- Increased exposure to poverty, incarceration, and trauma
- Underutilization of mental health services due to stigma and systemic barriers
- Prevalence of severe forms of mental illness in Black communities
Objective #5: Protective Factors and Cultural Strengths
- Kinship bonds, spirituality, humor, collectivism, and resilience
- Emphasis on positive identity, role models, and cultural pride
- Strategies to explore strengths during assessment and treatment
- Cultural values as pathways to engagement and recovery
Objective #6: Culturally Responsive Interviewing
- Build trust through open-ended, non-threatening questions
- Reinforce self-efficacy, empathy, and respect for the client’s narrative
- Adjust language and tone to avoid resistance and enhance communication
- Recognize and respond to nonverbal cues, resistance, and ambivalence
Objective #7: Clinical and Behavioral Observations
- Framework for assessing appearance, affect, alertness, behavior, and cognition
- Behavioral indicators that may reveal distress or substance-related risk
- Avoid over-pathologizing culturally normative expressions of emotion or stress
- Tailor assessments to account for historical and lived experiences
Objective #8: Community-Based and Faith-Based Interventions
- Nation of Islam as a recovery model offering hope, discipline, and cultural relevance
- Integration of ethnic pride, spiritual support, and lifestyle changes
- Recovery supported through role modeling, employment guidance, and dignity
- The importance of community-based models in culturally congruent care
Objective #9: Evidence-Based Approaches and Clinical Tools
- 14 principles of substance use treatment from NIDA
- Emphasis on accessibility, retention, individualized care, and ongoing support
- Tools include Kleinman’s Questions, Social Network Maps, and Motivation Worksheets
- Incorporating family, spirituality, and community resources into care plans
Resources and Continuing Learning
- Toolkits and readings on outpatient treatment and cultural responsiveness
- Screening tools for social determinants and behavioral health
- Video resources and professional organizations
- Ongoing development through community engagement and clinical supervision
Social workers completing this course receive 2 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 2 Clinical continuing education training.
Instructor: Diane Bigler, LCSW, LSCSW
Recording Date: 10/23/2024
CEUS On-Demand, LLC, provider #2274, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/7/2026 - 08/6/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 2hrs Clinical continuing education credits.
CEUs On-Demand, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7091. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CEUs On-Demand, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
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Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com