Ethics and Cultural Awareness
Ethics and cultural competency are foundational elements in addictions counseling, ensuring that clients receive respectful, effective, and individualized care. Ethical principles such as beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy, and justice guide counselors in making decisions that prioritize the well-being and rights of their clients. Cultural competency involves understanding and respecting the diverse backgrounds, values, and experiences of clients, which is crucial in addressing the unique challenges faced by different cultural groups. For instance, recognizing the impact of historical and systemic racism on Black clients can help counselors build trust and provide more relevant support. By integrating ethical practices with cultural awareness, counselors can create a more inclusive and supportive environment that fosters recovery and resilience in all clients.
We will also discuss ways to effectively counsel African American clients in addiction treatment, as it is crucial to build trust by acknowledging and addressing historical and systemic racism that may affect their perception of healthcare providers. We will discuss how clinicians of all cultures can effectively serve clients from the African American/Black culture, break down walls of stigma, and foster open dialogue regarding challenges.
Classes are held in person from 1-5:00 pm at the Alumni Outpatient Center in the SECU Lecture Hall on the Fellowship Hall campus.
