How to Identify & Support Patients Who Experience Racial Trauma

On November 20th, 2024, Monte Nido Walden’s Dr. Nicole Christian-Brathwaite, Medical Director of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry at Monte Nido Walden hosted an engaging webinar titled "Racism is Trauma – How to Identify & Support Patients Who Experience Racial Trauma". Dr. Christian-Brathwaite emphasized the importance of understanding the impact of race-based trauma on mental health and the role that healthcare providers play in addressing these experiences.

How to Support Patients Who Have Experienced Racial Trauma:

·  Screen for race-based trauma

·  Consider intersectional identities (race, religion, ethnicity, gender identity, age or socioeconomic status) influence the experiences and worldview of patients

·  Cultural humility

·  Recognize your internal bias

·  Promote mindfulness & self-compassion

·  Help patients take back their sense of control

·  Remember that words matter

·  Explore stress

·  Positive racial identity

·  Are your scales/measurements culturally sensitive

Screening Tools

• UCONN Racial/Ethnic Stress and Trauma Survey (UnRESTS)
• Trauma Symptoms of Discrimination
• The Everyday Discrimination Scale
• Race-Related Stressor Scale (RRSS) - for Asian American Vietnam Veterans
• Race-Based Traumatic Stress Symptom Scale (RBTSSS)

Anti-Racism Opportunities:

• Personal/Individualsome text
  • Learn about individual bias via Harvard IAT
  • Listen to Center POC
  • Be willing to be uncomfortable
  • Use your privilege to amplify disenfranchised voices
  • Hold peers accountable
  • Recognize intention vs impact and focus on the impact of your actions
  • Be willing to accept correction

• Institutionalsome text
  • Leadership commitment
  • Representation from marginalized groups in leadership
  • Promotion and credit for D&I work
  • Financial commitment to improving inclusion and reducing inequities
  • Measure POC satisfaction and feelings of safety
  • Trauma informed/sensitive work environment

• Societal/Structuralsome text
  • Policy changes
  • Economic relief
  • Police reform
  • Governmental leadership
  • Healthcare disparities
  • Housing disparities
  • Equitable research
  • Educational disparities
  • Vote

We hope that the knowledge and resources shared during this event will empower mental health professionals to provide compassionate and culturally sensitive care. We encourage attendees to engage in ongoing self-reflection, learning, and advocacy to support patients who have experienced racial trauma.

 Visit our Monte Nido Continuing Education website HERE to review and register for our future CE offerings. We look forward to seeing you there!

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