Anti-Oppressive and Intersectional Mental Health Practice in Psycholegal and Other Interdisciplinary Collaborative Settings

Clinical social workers, psychologists, counselors, and other mental health professionals play key roles in a variety of systems, many of which have a history of systematically marginalizing and disadvantaging people of color (POC), sexual and gender minorities (SGM), immigrants and refugees, individuals with disabilities, and other historically oppressed individuals and groups. While the mental health disciplines all require some training in diversity and multiculturalism, graduate-level mental health training varies widely in the extent to which it addresses systemic inequities and builds the capacities of practitioners to disrupt and repair the harm caused by these historical patterns of oppression. This chapter explores this area of focus and practice guidance in embedding anti-oppressive and intersectional concepts into mental and behavioral health practice.