2015 CAPS Conference Schedule

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2015
Friday, April 10th
6:00 PM

Keynote Address: Challenging the Culture of Cruelty; How America's Elite Demonize the Poor, Valorize the Rich and Jeopardize the Future

Tim Wise

Evans Hall, Zedeck Amphitheater

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

About the Speaker: Tim Wise is among the nation's most prominent anti-racist essayists and educators. He has spent the past 20 years speaking to audiences in all 50 states, on over 1000 college and high school campuses, at hundreds of professional and academic conferences, and to community groups across the nation. Wise is the author of six books, including his highly-acclaimed memoir, White Like Me: Reflections on Race from a Privileged Son, as well as Dear White America: Letter to a New Minority and Colorblind: The Rise of Post-Racial Politics and the Retreat from Racial Equity. His next book, Culture of Cruelty: How America's Elite Demonize the Poor, Valorize the Rich and Jeopardize the Future, will be released in early 2015. More information is available at www.TimWise.org

Saturday, April 11th
9:00 AM

Colorblind: The Rise of Post Racial Politics and the Retreat from Racial Equity

Tim Wise

Ginsburg Ampitheater

9:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Ever since the civil rights movement, Americans (liberal and conservative) have advocated a retreat from color-conscious public policies such as affirmative action, and even from open discussion of racism as a key factor in the perpetuation of racial inequity in the United States. They have argued that the barriers faced by black and brown Americans are largely divorced from racism, and that these stem either from race-neutral economic factors such as deindustrialization and inadequate funding for education, jobs programs, and other programs of social uplift or cultural factors (single-parent families, welfare dependence, and a "culture of poverty"). From this starting point, they contend that "universal" programs intended to help the poor and working class are the best means for narrowing the racial inequalities, or that "self-help" and "personal responsibility" will suffice. In discussing the pitfalls of "colorblindness" in the Obama era, Wise argues against colorblindness and for deeper color-consciousness in both public and private practice. He also debunks the notion that racial inequalities can be blamed on cultural attributes specific to people of color, or that those inequalities can be solved with race-neutral economic policies. Wise explains that we can only begin to move toward authentic social and economic equity through what he calls "illuminated individualism" - acknowledging the way racial identity continues to shape our experiences and perceptions (consciously and unconsciously) today. The presenter will use his extensive experience in this area to support his arguments.

Educational Objectives: Based on the presentation, the participants will be able to:

  • Describe how the concept of "colorblindness" manifests in individuals, public policy, and institutions, particularly in the Obama era
  • Describe how so-called "colorblindness" impacts work to eliminate racial inequities
  • Discuss how racial disparities manifest in the U.S. health care system
  • List the factors crucial for racial and social justice

About the Speaker: See above.

Target Audience: Doctoral Level Psychologists and Other Mental Health Professionals

Level of Instruction: Basic

Location: Ginsburg Amphitheater

CE hours/credits: 1.5

Creating Safe Zone Spaces

Sean Guinane Ms, PA-C
Dionandre King MPH

Evans Hall Room 327

9:00 AM - 12:15 PM

Safe Zone is a program created to develop, enhance, and maintain environments in work places, schools, and other social settings that are culturally competent and in support of LGBTQ individuals, as well as straight and cisgender people who care about diversity, equality, and inclusion. Creating safe zones is a proactive step that schools, agencies, and corporations can take to create welcoming, inclusive spaces so that all people are empowered to reach their full potential.

Educational Objectives: Based on the presentation, the participants will be able to:

  • Define safe spaces for LGBTQ individuals and how to create them within school and employment areas
  • Define and discuss the “coming out” process and the relevance of CASS’ Model of Identity Development
  • Discuss best practices model in creating safe spaces and how to engage others in establishing comfortable dialogues regarding LGBTQ issues.

About the Speakers: Sean completed a Bachelor’s degree in Health Science from University of the Sciences in Philadelphia in 2003, and a Master’s degree in Health Science – Physician Assistant Studies from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2004. Sean Guinane has been a faculty member with the college since 2009, and currently serves as an Assistant Professor and the Director of Outcomes Assessment and Technology. Sean brings a clinical perspective from practice in family medicine and urgent care to the classroom for physician assistant students, as well as an appreciation for clinical learning, having served as a preceptor for both PA and medical students while in practice. Sean is a nationally certified physician assistant and licensed to practice in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. He is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, the Association of Family Practice Physician Assistants, both the Pennsylvania and New Jersey societies of physician assistants, and the LBGTPA caucus.

Dionandre King completed a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from the University of California at Davis (2002) and a Master’s in Public Health from San Francisco State University (2011). Currently, Dionandre is finishing his Masters in Biomedical Sciences at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dionandre's professional experiences include being a microbiologist and epidemiology research associate for the California Department of Public Health. Dionandre's ultimate goal is to be an osteopathic physician providing primary care to underserved populations.

Target Audience: Doctoral Level Psychologists and Other Mental Health Practitioners

Level of Instruction: Basic

Location: Evans Hall 327 A/B

CE Credit: NO CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS WILL BE AWARDED FOR THIS LECTURE

10:45 AM

Global Mental Health: Diverse Perspectives on Culture, Resilience and Healing

Nicole M. Montiero Ph.D.

Ginsburg Ampitheater

10:45 AM - 12:15 PM

This presentation will focus on the emerging and expanding field of global mental health and how its emphasis, on understanding culture and developing cross- national solutions to decrease the burden of mental illness, help to promote human rights and social justice. Discussion will address the global, traumatic impact of conflict and war and the importance of cultural competency when working with diverse populations internationally. The presenter will use the clinical and empirical literature as well as practice knowledge in this area to inform guidelines for best practice.

Educational Objectives: Based on the presentation, the participants will be able to:

  • Define global mental health and its connection to human rights and social justice
  • Describe ways that culture impacts mental health and how people experience and express mental health
  • Explain the impact of trauma due to war, conflict and displacement on diverse populations globally
  • Describe cultural competence considerations for working with diverse populations, including immigrants/refugees, Muslims, ethnic minorities and others.

About the Speaker: Dr. Nicole M. Monteiro earned a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Howard University. She has extensive international clinical, research and consulting experience in places such as Bahrain, Botswana, Ethiopia and Senegal. Her expertise in treating trauma among diverse populations includes work with refugees, African Americans, Muslims and other under-served groups. She has been the recipient of numerous honors, awards and fellowships. Dr. Monteiro is the author of many publications and has conducted many workshops nationally and internationally. Her area of expertise is cross-cultural psychology and global mental health.

Target Audience: Doctoral Level Psychologists and Other Mental Health Professionals

Level of Instruction: Intermediate

Location: Ginsburg Amphitheater

CE hours/credits: 1.5

Translating DSM-5 Cultural Concepts of Distress into Clinical Practice

Williametta Bakasa Psy.D., MBA (HCM)

Zedeck Ampitheater

10:45 AM - 12:15 PM

We are rapidly becoming a multicultural society and there is an increased number of culturally diverse individuals seeking mental health care. As a result, clinicians are likely to encounter cultural concepts of distress that may impact treatment perceptions, treatment planning, and treatment adherence. This presentation will utilize interactive group discussions and video clips to illustrate the clinical application of the DSM-5 Cultural Concepts of Distress, Outline for Cultural Formulation (OCF) and Cultural Formulation Interview (CFI).

Participants will learn about the role of culture, cultural concepts of distress, and cultural competence in mental health care. Specifically, participants will learn how these factors impact assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning. Finally, participants will learn how to develop a culturally-informed treatment plan. The presenter will use the clinical and empirical literature as well as practice knowledge in this area to inform guidelines for best practice.

Educational Objectives: Based on the presentation, the participants will be able to:

  • Describe the DSM-5 Cultural Concepts of Distress
  • Discuss the clinical implications and diagnostic challenges of cultural concepts of distress
  • Describe the DSM-5 Outline for Cultural Formulation (OCF) and Cultural Formulation Interview (CFI)
  • Discuss proposed culturally-informed treatment approach

About the Speaker: Dr. Williametta (Simmons) Bakasa is a Licensed Psychologist with over 10 years of experience in the mental health field. Dr. Bakasa obtained her Doctorate in Psychology (Psy.D.) and Masters in Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Health Care Management (HCM) from Widener University.

Dr. Bakasa is the owner of Integrative Psychological & Consulting Services, LLC. She specializes in cultural concepts of distress, psychosis, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, chronic pain, and trauma. Dr. Bakasa has presented at numerous conferences on cultural concepts of distress and taught a variety of workshops on Recovery-Oriented Cognitive Therapy for schizophrenia and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for depression.

Dr. Bakasa is the Lead Psychologist at Temple University Hospital-Episcopal Campus, where she works with an inter-disciplinary team to coordinate a pilot program that integrates recovery elements and cognitive behavioral therapy for individuals with chronic and severe mental illness. Dr. Bakasa is an Adjunct Professor at Temple University School of Medicine (Department of Psychiatry) and Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM). She is an Assistant Professor at Widener University Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology. Dr. Bakasa is a member of the American Psychological Association (APA), the Pennsylvania Psychological Association (PPA), and the Delaware Psychological Association (DPA).

Target Audience: Doctoral Level Psychologists and Other Mental Health Professionals

Level of Instruction: Intermediate

Location: Zedeck Amphitheater

CE hours/credits: 1.5

1:30 PM

Breathing While Black and Brown: Using Racial Literacy to Teach Youth to Negotiate In-the-Moment Racial and Gender Rejection

Howard Stevenson Jr., Ph.D.

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

The disproportionate expulsion of African American and Latino youth from schools and arrests for minor infractions is a traumatizing health crisis. Despite civil rights progress in societal systems, these advances rely upon legal remedies. Disproportionate treatment toward African American and Latino youth involves face-to-face dehumanization of Black youth behavior, conflicts that are emotional, not remedied by legal strategies. Many of these youth are exposed to neighborhood stressors that promote mental health challenges that interfere with school and family functioning. Daily racial micro- and macro-aggressions add trauma to many youths’ life experiences. Focusing on cultural strengths of Black and Latino youth is the thrust of the workshop and training. Preventing Long-term Anger and Aggression in Youth (PLAAY), teaches youth, parents, and authority figures to manage stress during intense racial and non-racial face-to-face conflicts toward safe outcomes in classrooms and neighborhoods. PLAAY uses the physical activity of basketball and group therapy to build stronger relationships with Black youth. The presenter will use the clinical and empirical literature as well as practice knowledge in this area to inform guidelines for best practice.

Educational Objectives: Based on the presentation, the participant will be able to:

  • Describe research on the trauma of racial/gender discrimination and how dehumanization of Black and Latino youth and family leads to disproportionate exclusion
  • Discuss how authority figures can engage Black and Latino youth and families in conflicts (through affection, protection, and correction) by embracing their coping styles as strengths not threats
  • Describe a culturally relevant intervention that uses physical activity to help youth resolve personal traumas that interfere with academic and social well-being and engage in racially healthy and literate behaviors (feeling confident to speak up assertively in classrooms, with partners, and in social spaces)
  • Discuss racial literacy coping skills to personal and professional racial encounters (based on a model of racial socialization, literacy, and stress management)

About the Speaker: Dr. Howard Stevenson is the Constance Clayton Professor of Urban Education, Professor of Africana Studies, and former Chair of the Applied Psychology and Human Development Division in the Graduate School of Education at the University of Pennsylvania. From 1994 to 2002, he was faculty master of the W. E. B. DuBois College House at Penn. In 1993, Dr. Stevenson received the W. T. Grant Foundation’s Faculty Scholar Award, a national research award given to only five researchers per year which funds five years of research. In 1994, Dr. Stevenson was a Presidential Fellow at the Salzburg Seminar in American Studies, where 35 other community activists and researchers from 30 countries presented their community health intervention projects. In 1995, Dr. Stevenson served on a 12-member academic panel to consult on the development of a National Strategic Action Plan for African-American Males, sponsored by the National Drug Control Policy Office in the Office of the President. Dr. Stevenson has served for 29 years as a clinical and consulting psychologist working in impoverished rural and urban neighborhoods across the country.

Target Audience: Doctoral Level Psychologists and Other Mental Health Professionals

Level of Instruction: Intermediate

Location: Ginsburg Amphitheater

CE hours/credits: 1.5