Presentation date: 9/26/24

Description:
In this presentation, we will explore how historical and current practices of colonization in behavioral health, specifically the use of white-centric evidence-based best practices, have present-day implications in behavioral health outcomes for individuals who are Black, Indigenous and/or People of Color, in particular American Indian/Alaska Native/Indigenous (AI/AN/I) people. We will review the core principles of decolonizing behavioral health practices, including an overview of how organizations can honor, recognize, and utilize non-white-centric knowledge frameworks in the implementation of behavioral health services. Finally, we will explore how organizations can effectively refer to culturally and linguistically aligned community-based services and outline a process of programmatic co-creation/co-design with individuals receiving behavioral health services to improve whole-person health outcomes for AI/AN/I communities.

Presenters:
Sheyne Benedict, MS MAC
Partnership & Engagement Manager, HealthierHere
Seattle, WA

Sheyne has over 20 years of direct practice and leadership experience in behavioral health, with a BS in Addiction Studies and a MS in Psychology. She has specialized in Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers, treatment courts, first episode psychosis, medication assisted treatment, and behavioral health/primary care integration, all with a focus on reducing disparities in behavioral health outcomes. Her experience in implementing programs has led to insights on creating systematic changes in collaboration with communities being served.

George Farrell
Partnership & Engagement Manager, HealthierHere
Seattle, WA

George is a member of the Hunkpapa Lakota People from the Standing Rock Reservation S.D. He is a dedicated and results-oriented professional with a proven track record in promoting equity within Native American communities with a focus on Traditional Medicines and Cultural Practices. Experienced in nonprofit operations and development, he specializes in reentry coordination, fostering partnerships, and community engagement. His commitment extends to implementing restorative justice models within communities of color, advocating for inclusive and sustainable practices. His diverse skill set encompasses strategic planning, relationship building, and program implementation, all geared towards creating positive social impact.

Haley Osborn, BA
Community Hub Operations Specialist, HealthierHere
Seattle, WA

Haley is a first-generation college graduate from the University of Washington with a BA in Psychology and minor in Diversity. She has worked in varying capacities of social services both locally and globally, including a holistic substance use disorder (SUD) recovery program in Medellin, Colombia.