Contextual and Culturally-Relevant Considerations for Assessment and Treatment with Indigenous Individuals (Archived)

Indigenous individuals in Canada experience disproportionately higher rates of mental health and substance use concerns when compared to non-Indigenous individuals in Canada. These concerns are further exacerbated by disparities with access to social determinants of health that have been aggravated by systemic marginalization, discrimination, and racism within broader health systems. Such experiences can impede access to timely, pertinent, and trusted psychological practices within Indigenous communities. Dr. Toombs and Dr. Lund discuss evidence-based and practical considerations within generalist assessment and treatment practices that may increase the cultural-relevance and uptake of psychological interventions with Indigenous individuals. They will share relevant experiences from their clinical and research expertise working with First Nation communities in the Robinson Superior Treaty Area, including assessment of adverse childhood experiences, embedding two-eyed seeing approaches within case conceptualization, and useful culture-as-treatment models of care.