Registration closes at 3:00 PM CST on March 2, 2026
Antiracism in Action:
Clinical Skills for Ethical Mental Health Practice
Friday, March 6, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM CST
Presented by Jessica M. Smedley, PsyD
Antiracism is not an add-on to clinical care—it is a core ethical responsibility. This workshop invites mental health professionals to critically examine how racism and systemic inequities affect diagnosis, treatment access, and client outcomes.
Using an antiracist and trauma-informed framework, participants will gain tools to reduce harm, strengthen the therapeutic alliance, and provide more equitable, culturally responsive mental health care. Dr. Smedley will guide you through practical strategies to identify bias, address racial dynamics in the therapy room, and integrate antiracist principles across assessment, diagnosis, and intervention.
This is not theoretical—this is actionable clinical training that will strengthen your practice and your ability to serve all clients ethically and effectively.
About This Workshop:
This three-hour intensive training examines how racism and systemic inequities affect diagnosis, treatment access, and client outcomes. Dr. Smedley, a clinical psychologist and Chair of the APA Advocacy Coordinating Committee, will provide practical tools to identify bias, address racial dynamics in therapy, and strengthen your ability to provide equitable, culturally responsive care.
What You’ll Learn:
- How racism operates as chronic stress and trauma affecting mental health across the lifespan
- Applying antiracist principles to intake, diagnosis, goal-setting, and termination
- Identifying racialized stress responses that may be misdiagnosed as pathology
- Practical strategies for reducing harm and strengthening therapeutic alliance
This members-only workshop offers actionable clinical skills that will strengthen your ethical practice.
About the Presenter:
Jessica M. Smedley, PsyD is a clinical psychologist with extensive experience providing care and psychological evaluations to adults, children, and families across community mental health, residential, outpatient, and private practice settings. Her clinical expertise spans complex trauma, chronic and severe mental illness, co-morbid diagnoses, and the systemic issues affecting marginalized communities.
Dr. Smedley holds adjunct faculty appointments at The George Washington University and Howard University. Her dissertation focused on trauma and spirituality in urban communities, and she continues to facilitate workshops on mental health education, racial trauma, and wellness for agencies nationwide. She has provided expert insights for NBC4 Washington, BNC News, Essence Magazine, AARP Sisters Column, and Associated Press.
A dedicated advocate for the profession, Dr. Smedley has served as Ohio Psychological Association Diversity Committee Chair, APA Membership Board member, and Chair of the APA Advocacy Coordinating Committee. She was elected 2023 President-Elect of the DC Psychological Association and serves as an APA Council Representative. Dr. Smedley is also active with the Association of Black Psychologists, co-launching initiatives to support communities impacted by health disparities.
As a clinician, Dr. Smedley values growth, cultural awareness, positive racial identity, and strength-based approaches that encourage individuals, families, and professionals to thrive. A former Division-1 athlete and dancer, she applies a holistic approach to wellness in her work and is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this program, participants will be able to:
- Identify ways racism operates as a chronic stressor and traumatic exposure affecting mental health outcomes across the lifespan
- Apply antiracist principles to clinical decision-making, including intake, diagnosis, goal-setting, and termination
- Identify signs of racialized stress responses that may be misdiagnosed as pathology
Registration Pricing
This workshop provides essential clinical skills for ethical, equitable practice in an increasingly diverse society.
Option 1: Login to ArPA Community Portal to Register
ArPA Members
$40
Students
$5
Option 2: Enter Your email address Attached To Your Membership and we will take you to your corresponding Registration page
This workshop is exclusively available to members of participating psychological associations