Description

Research indicates that African American veterans exhibit lower rates of engagement in mental health and psychiatric care services. This disparity is influenced by historical, cultural, and societal factors, contributing to both initial reluctance and ongoing disengagement from services. These challenges exacerbate health disparities, limit access to care, and result in the misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis of PTSD among African American veterans. Over the next decade, African American veterans are projected to become one of the fastest-growing populations eligible for VA care. As the racial and ethnic composition of VA care recipients evolves, it’s imperative to identify and address barriers to care to enhance and sustain engagement in mental health services.

This capstone project aims to thoroughly explore and assess key factors for improving the engagement of African American veterans in mental health care. By examining the symptomatology of PTSD specific to African American veterans, we can better understand symptom patterns and presentations, facilitating more accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment. Using cultural mistrust theory and critical race theory, this project will evaluate barriers to engagement in care, considering historical, cultural, and societal contexts. Finally, it will present strategies for increasing and sustaining engagement in mental health services, offering improved treatment options tailored to the needs of African American veterans.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the unique cultural, historical, and social factors that may influence the experience of PTSD among African American veterans.
2. Identify barriers and challenges specific to African American veterans in accessing and engaging with mental health services for PTSD.
3. Identify strategies for sustaining long-term engagement and participation in mental health services among African American veterans with PTSD.

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: 9/29/22-9/29/25. 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 Melissa Whitaker at melissa.whitaker@uky.edu. For technical assistance, please contact lmshelp@uky.edu.