The Chasm: African American Men and Behavioral Health

Friday, February 7, 2020

Registration: 8:30 - 9:00 a.m.
Program: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Reception: 12:00 p.m.

Friday Forums are cosponsored with the Metropolitan State University Psychology Department.

About the Program

This program will review a brief psychological examination of African American men from a Black-Psychology perspective. The presentation will include the historical micro and macro socio-economic events that have shaped their lives as partners, workers, and family members. These events include hidden health and social justice disparities that create a "chasm" with care-givers when seeking help. In addition, the impact of ACES and Adverse Community Experiences on their adaptation and resilience will be discussed. Attendees will be able to adapt their methodology to engage Black men in psychotherapy, and how to appropriately respond to their needs when strong emotions emerge during the healing process.

A reception will follow the event honoring Tabitha Grier-Reed, Ph.D., LP, with the John M. Taborn Award for Outstanding Contributions to Psychology by a Person of African Descent.

This session is at the intermediate level and is designed for psychologists and other mental health professionals.

This session qualifies for 3.0 continuing education credits. You must attend the full 3-hour program to get continuing education credit for the event.

Participants will be able to:

1. Apply principles of Black Psychology, useful for all cultural groups.
2. Recognize the hidden life barriers faced by African American men.
3. Demonstrate at least three new culturally-competent behavioral health methods.

About the Presenter:

Willie Garrett, M.S., LP, CAEP, Ed.D., received an M.S. in Counseling Psychology from Minnesota State University-Mankato and an Ed.D. in Organization Development and Training from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.  He is a Licensed Psychologist currently working in a generalist private practice serving a diverse population of clients. He is a long-standing member of MPA who has served as the Chief Professional Officer and is currently the President-Elect. He has also served on the Multi-Cultural/Diversity, Rural and Greater, Payer, and Legislative committees, as well as the Governing Counsel and Executive Committee.  Willie is the current president of the Minnesota Association of Black Psychologists and member of the National Association of Black Psychologists. He has previously worked in both managed care and non-profit behavioral health centers.

The speaker has indicated they do not have any conflicts of interest.

The Minnesota Psychological Association is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Minnesota Psychological Association maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

ACCESSIBILITY ACCOMMODATIONS:  If you need disability related accommodations, including parking, to make this event accessible, please contact the Metropolitan State University Center for Accessibility Resources, 651-793-1549, or [email protected]. 

To Register:

Online registration is now closed. Walk-ups are welcome!

Click here to view and download a PDF registration flyer.

Walk-up registrations are welcome the day of, but pre-registration is preferred.

Refund/Cancellation Policy: A 100% refund will be made if the event is cancelled. Refunds, less a $5 handling fee, will be given if a written cancellation is received at least two working days before the scheduled program begins. Transfer of fee to another program is granted if written cancellation notice is received at least one day before the program. No refund or transfer is given the day of the program.