How Psychologists Today Combat Institutionalised Racism - with Clinical Psychologist Dr Raisa Luther
Addressing institutional racism in mental health care is not a one-time conversation. It is an ongoing practice.
For mental health practitioners, recognising the influence of institutional racism in their work requires consistent, deliberate effort. Dr. Raisa Luther outlines three core strategies that make that work possible.
Self-reflection. Regularly examining your own cultural biases and assumptions is uncomfortable. But it is essential for understanding how your background shapes the way you perceive and interact with clients.
Cultural competence training. Not simply as a box to tick, but as a genuine commitment to understanding diverse communication styles, cultural perspectives, and the very real impact that societal racism has on mental health.
Collaborative practice and supervision. Working alongside colleagues from diverse backgrounds and engaging in regular supervision creates space to identify blind spots that are difficult to see alone. It is a humbling process. And a necessary one.
The goal is not perfection. It is awareness. And a consistent commitment to delivering care that is equitable, culturally sensitive, and genuinely effective for every client.
Do you think the mental health profession does enough to address the impact of institutional racism on care?
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