SOCW626 Culturally Informed Behavioral HtlhPrac with Refugee Communities
This course explores considerations for providing culturally informed behavioral health care to refugee communities in California, with a focus on communities that are vulnerable and receiving publicly funded care. Attention is given to the diverse cultural groups, languages, and histories across these communities. Students will learn engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation methods that are culturally sensitive and consider the impact of discrimination, racism, historical and generational trauma, and present-day social and political events that impact the behavioral health and care needs of different refugee communities. Discussions will include the limitations of Euro-centric theories and clinical interventions discussed in prior courses and considerations for intersectionality in clinical practice. Students will also gain an understanding of the social worker’s clinical and advocacy roles considering the systemic barriers faced by refugee communities and the client’s individual characteristics and preferences, spirituality, and cultural, family and community values and practices.