Cultural-Competence in Mental Health Care

Research documents that many members of minority groups fear, or feel ill at ease with, the mental health system.
- Surgeon General's Report
US Dept. Health & Human Services, 1999

Dr. Monnica Williams ia a Black clinical psychologist, both registered Ontario and licensed in the United States. She has been working to improve cultural-competence in mental health care in the US, Canada, and Europe. She has published important research in the areas of ethnic minority mental health and barriers to treatment. She teaches Multicultural Psychology to undergraduate and graduate students. She provides workshops on cultural competency to therapists, medical students, and allied professionals. She received an American Psychological Foundation Visionary Grant entitled "Reducing Microaggressions and Promoting Racial Harmony," that she completed in collaboration with colleagues at the University of Washington and Bastyr University.

Cultural Diversity Training

The therapeutic relationship is a critical aspect of psychotherapy based on the compatibility of the client and clinician. The effectiveness of therapy is associated with the clinician’s ability to communicate with and understand the client's perspective and cultural background. Although the majority of clinicians understand the importance of delivering culturally-informed services, few receive adequate training to enable them to do so. Dr. Williams is available to consult with any clinician with questions about the assessment or treatment of individuals from different ethnic or racial groups. She also provides workshops and trainings on these issues.Enhancing cultural competence is an ongoing process for all clinicians. And because it is essential to successful clinical practice, cultural consultation benefits clients and clinicians alike. Yet, many clinicians may have limited resources for seeking consultation on cultural concerns, and others may feel vulnerable in seeking cultural consultation. This resources is an opportunity for to discuss the role of culture(s) and cultural identities in work with specific clients in an environment that is friendly, welcoming, and dedicated to your ongoing growth as a clinician.

Selected Workshops and Trainings for Clinicians

• Williams, M. T. & Wetterneck, C. (2022, February 28). How to Treat Racial Trauma: 2-Tiered Event. [Virtual]. OSI Clinic, Royal Ottawa, Ottawa, ON.


• Williams, M. T. (2021, May 20-21). Creating an Inclusive Academic Environment for People of Color. Minority Health Disparities Initiative Workshop. University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Lincoln, NE.


• Williams, M. T. & Skinta, M. (2020, October 9). Microaggressions in Clinical Settings: Learning to Engage Diverse Clients and Improve Treatment Outcomes. Leading Edge Seminars (3 CEs).


• Williams, M. T. (2020, August 27). The Trauma of Racism: Assessment and Treatment Techniques for Trauma Rooted in Racism. PESI.


• Ot'alora G, M., & Williams, M. T. (2019, August 10-17). MDMA Conference for Therapists and Communities of Color: Psychedelic Medicine & Cultural Trauma and MAPS Part B MDMA Therapist Training, Louisville, KY.


• Williams, M. T., & Faber, S. C. (2019, July). Culturally-informed clinical research: Assessment, recruitment, interventions & ethics. Skills class, World Congress of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, Berlin, Germany.


• Wetterneck, C. T. & Williams, M. T. (May, 2019 – July, 2019). Functional Analytic Psychotherapy – Diversity Emphasis (Level II) Online Workshop. An 8-week experiential workshop on behavioral techniques to improve interpersonal skills and intimacy for therapists with an emphasis on racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity. (16 CEs)


• Skinta, M. & Williams, M. T. (January, 2019 – March, 2019). Functional Analytic Psychotherapy – Diversity Emphasis (Level I) Online Workshop. An 8-week experiential workshop introducing behavioral techniques to improve interpersonal skills and intimacy for therapists with an emphasis on diversity. (16 CEs)


• Williams, M. T. & Wetterneck, C. T. (2018, December 13). Addressing Racial and Cultural Differences in Therapeutic Settings. Workshop, McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research, NYU School of Social Work, New York City, NY. (3.5 CEs)


• Williams, M. T. & Wetterneck, C. T. (2018, December 11). Addressing Racial and Cultural Differences in Therapeutic Settings. Workshop, McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research, NYU School of Social Work, Albany, NY. (3.5 CEs)


• Wetterneck, C. T., Williams, M. T., & Carlson, M. (2018, November 7). Assessing and Treating Racial Trauma. Day-long workshop for International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, Washington, DC. (7 CEs)


• Williams, M. T. (2018, May 18). Microaggressions as Barriers to Care. Grand Rounds, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC. (1 CEU)

Complete list of presentations, workshops and trainings »

Consultation Services

Dr. Williams provides consultations with researchers in the implementation of culturally-informed research design and to improve inclusion of people of color in research samples. She also consults with departments and organizations to increase diversity and facilitate an improved racial environment.

Help for Racism-Related Stress and Trauma

Recharge then Resist

Here's What Therapists Want You To Know About Being Socially Active.

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A History of Self-Care

From It's Radical Roots to Yuppie-Driven Middle Age to Resurgence.

www.Slate.com

Dr. Williams is dedicated to providing culturally-competent services to her clients. She understands the cultural, social, and spiritual issues that shape the whole person. Experiences of racism and discrimination can lead to stress, anxiety, traumatization, and depression. Even low-levels of discrimination experienced on a regular basis can result in psychological unwellness. Anyone suffering as a result of such experiences can contact Dr. Williams to schedule an in-person evaluation or phone consultation for treatment at the Behavioral Wellness Clinic. She also provides mental health exams for legal cases involving discrimination and racial profiling.

Read more by Dr. Williams about African Americans and Psychotherapy »

See Dr. Williams Racial Trauma & PTSD Reading List »

Other Links of Interest

• Why African Americans Avoid Psychotherapy — and what can be done about it
• Anxiety, Nerves, and Fear in the Family
• African Americans and Mental Health
• African American Pioneers in Psychology
• Racial Trauma in African American Underuse of Hospice & Palliative Care