Description

Upon completion of this conference, participants will be able to:

1. Analysis of Systemic Barriers to Mental Health Access -Learners will identify and analyze at least three intersecting oppressive systems (racism, sexism, and classism) that limit Black women’s access to mental health services. They will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding by writing or speaking about at least three specific ways that historical trauma, medical mistrust, provider bias, and cultural stigma all contribute to mental health disparities.
2. Apply Liberation-Focused Intersectional Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (LF-ICBT) Framework to Clinical Practice -Learners will apply at least three principles from Black feminist theory, intersectionality, and liberation psychology to design a culturally responsive therapeutic intervention plan for a case study or clinical scenario. The intervention plan will include at least two specific strategies that validate the lived experiences of Black women, reframe adaptive coping strategies as strengths rather than pathologies, and incorporate critical consciousness-raising within cognitive behavioral therapy.
3. Evaluate and Advocate for Equity-Driven Mental Health Policies and Practices -Learners will assess the effectiveness of at least two current mental health interventions and policies for Black women using an equity framework. They will formulate a written advocacy strategy with two specific, actionable recommendations that advance systemic reforms, workforce diversity, and liberation-based training within mental health systems.

Presenter Bio

DeWanda Gichemi, MSW, LMSW, IPT-A, EFT, is a doctoral candidate at the University of Kentucky School of Social Work, bringing over 28 years of clinical social work experience. She holds an Associate of Arts from Grand Rapids Community College, a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Clark Atlanta University, and a Master of Social Work from Grand Valley State University.

As CEO and founder of H.E.A.L. (Healing and Empowering for Abundant Living) Counseling and Consulting, LLC, DeWanda provides teletherapy and in-person mental health services to culturally diverse populations, including adults, adolescents, children, families, and couples. Her clinical experience spans jail, residential, home-based, group, outpatient, and private practice settings. She specializes in mood disorders, perinatal mood disorders, anxiety and panic disorders, PTSD, and life skills coaching. For 14 years, she maintained an endorsement of infant mental health, with expertise in infant/child and parent attachment relationships.

DeWanda’s research interests focus on advancing juvenile justice through restorative practices, rehabilitation, and diversion programs, and addressing perinatal and postpartum depression among African American women. Her capstone work equips clinicians with a liberation therapeutic framework that reimagines cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to affirm the intersectional identities and strengths of Black women. This work contributes to decolonizing mental health care, increasing service utilization, and advancing culturally sensitive interventions that honor the full humanity of Black women.

An active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. since 2002, DeWanda embodies the organization’s founding principles of sisterhood, scholarship, service, and social action through her commitment to public service and addressing issues affecting African Americans and society at large.

DeWanda is affiliated with Our Mental Health Collective, an organization dedicated to providing culturally responsive and affirming mental health care and resources to BIPOC communities. She serves as a board member for the Grand Rapids Alternative Corrections Experience (GRACE) program and has participated as a panelist in community discussions on mental health awareness, as well as a guest speaker on effective parenting for the Great Start Parent Coalition.

Delivery Method: Live Interactive Training via Zoom Video Conferencing

Credit Hours: 1.0 (ACE)

Target Audience: This conference is intended for social workers and students.

Accreditation: University of Kentucky College of Social Work, Provider # 1377, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 9/29/25-9/29/28. Social workers participating in this conference will receive up to 15 general continuing education credits.

Claiming CE Credit: Instructions for claiming CE credit will be disseminated at the beginning of each session.

Questions: If you have any questions regarding CE credit or to report a grievance, please contact Christina Krantz at Christina.Krantz@uky.edu. For technical assistance, please contact lmshelp@uky.edu.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in these presentations are those of the individual presenters and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of the University of Kentucky or the College of Social Work. The inclusion of any topics, perspectives, or discussions is intended for academic engagement and does not constitute endorsement by the institution.