Applying an Intersectionality Lens to Mental Health Service Delivery

When: Thursday, June 20 - 12:00 PM

Duration: 2 hours

Location: Zoom

Event Details:

Coined by Dr. Kimberle Crenshaw in 1989, Intersectionality was used to describe the unique oppression faced by Black women; the term has now expanded to encompass various intersecting identities and related systems of oppression, domination, or discrimination. Intersectionality is fundamental towards providing effective mental health service delivery and care with youth and families, that includes using one’s whole self in care and relationship and alleviates further harms. This is all critical for caring for those who are historically marginalized and continue to be impacted by various intersecting systems of oppression.

Participants will explore the intricacies of intersectionality through a socio-cultural ecological and social justice lens, and learn practical insights and strategies towards applying intersectionality at an organizational level and among individual clients. After attending this webinar, participants will be able to learn how to apply an intersectionality framework to benefit you as an individual and offer quality care to youth and families. This event will include a presentation followed by a panel conversation with our presenters and then a Q&A.

About the Presenters: 

kk naimool is founder and principal partner of Collective Justice Consulting LLC, as well as founder and Executive Steward of Queer Family Network, a fiscally sponsored initiative to support LGBTQ+ families in Mid-Hudson Valley NY. 

kk is a nationally recognized and sought-after equity consultant, passionate about equity and accessibility. kk develops tools and training for groups and organizations looking to apply best practices in diversity and inclusion, cultural humility, and systemic justice. kk has trained thousands of Health and Human Services professionals on LGBTQ+ Health Equity and assisted organizations and programs to review processes to prioritize impact over intention. In a multiyear project along with a team of LGBTQ+ researchers, activists and scholars kk helped develop an LGBTQ Cultural Competency Training Toolkit  -the first ever nationally recognised standards for LGBTQ+ Cultural Competency Training. Additionally, kk was recently appointed as a member of the Mid-Hudson Anti-Bias and Hate Prevention Council, one of 10 regional councils launched by Governor Hochul.

Laura Brown-Rivera, LMSW is an activist, educator, and licensed therapist. With a fierce love of community and a commitment to social equity, Laura brings an intersectional identity and a radical, womynist, restorative justice lens to her therapeutic practice. They are passionate about working with young kids, teens, and young adults; people of color (particularly those navigating predominantly white institutions); and folx who are struggling with identity and self-esteem. Laura has significant education & experience in the field of Child Development, with a clinical focus on Cultural Identity Development, Self-Efficacy, and those significantly impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences. Laura has over a decade of experience with psychotherapy, mentoring/clinical supervision of graduate students, education & training, and I/O & DID consulting; in a variety of settings including: Primary/Secondary Schools, Hospitals/In-patient, Non-Profits, Grassroots Organizations, Mobile Crisis Teams, in addition to her private practice – Live Your Truth (LYT) Counseling.