Providing Culturally-Responsive and Ethical Treatment with Deaf and Hard of Hearing Clients
Description
Multicultural competence is an essential ethical responsibility for mental health professionals. This training equips clinicians with a deeper understanding of the historical, linguistic, and social values that shape the lived experiences of Deaf and Hard of Hearing clients. Participants will explore how these cultural factors influence empathy, assessment, treatment planning, and ethical research practices with this linguistic and cultural minority. The training will also address unique ethical considerations, including multiple relationships and confidentiality within Deaf cultural contexts. Special attention will be given to the impact of early language access on development and mental health, as well as best practices for working with certified interpreters to ensure accurate and effective communication in therapy.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of the training, participants will be able to:
- Summarize the impact of early language access on emotional, cognitive, and social development in Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals.
- Describe the concept of audism and identify ways it may present within therapeutic interactions.
- Explain ethical considerations unique to working with Deaf or Hard of Hearing clients.
Instructor Bio
Dr. Jaimee Arnoff is a clinical psychologist specializing in culturally-responsive work with Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals. She earned dual Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology and Deaf Studies from Boston University and completed her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Gallaudet University. She is fluent in American Sign Language and currently provides therapy and assessment services through her private practice in Beacon, NY. Outside of her private practice, Dr. Arnoff has had the opportunity to work with Deaf and Hard of Hearing youth in schools, inpatient units, and residential treatment. A passionate advocate, she has also worked with local businesses and within the correctional system to improve accommodations and promote equity. She frequently delivers trainings to clinicians on how to provide ethical, trauma-informed, and culturally-affirming care to individuals within the Deaf Community.
Dr. Arnoff has no conflicts of interest for this webinar.
Contact Us
For questions, please contact: ce@gsapp.rutgers.edu
Continuing Education Information
Rutgers Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology (GSAPP) is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0123.
LMFT/MFT and LPC/LAC Licensed in New Jersey: Programs approved by the American Psychological Association are acceptable sources of continuing education credits. Please see https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/regulations/Chapter-34-Subchapters-10-31-Professional-Counselors.pdf, Section: 13:34-15.4 APPROVAL OF COURSES OR PROGRAMS on page 27. For all other professional licenses and certifications, please reference your issuing state board regulations regarding reciprocity of continuing education credits.
Rutgers Graduate School of Applied & Professional Psychology is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Rutgers Graduate School of Applied & Professional Psychology maintains responsibility for this program and its content.