Mental health and substance use disorders are prevalent and among the most highly stigmatized health conditions in the United States. They remain barriers to full participation in society in areas such as education, housing, and employment. This webinar will explore the stigmas surrounding mental illness and provide effective strategies clinicians can use to create a therapeutic environment where clients can evaluate their attitudes, beliefs, and fears about mental illness, and ultimately find ways to overcome them. Groups like men, LGBTQ+, and older adults will be highlighted and explored. We will then look at targeted strategies that clinicians can use to create a therapeutic alliance to address and mitigate stigma. Specific exercises to use in sessions with clients to help them address and overcome their biases and stigmas about mental illness will be shared.

Upon completion of the webinar, participants will be able to:

• Summarize how stigmas affect beliefs, thoughts, and decisions about mental illness.
• Articulate how a strong therapeutic alliance can help the client overcome the stigma of mental illness.
• Describe steps that clinicians can take to help clients address and overcome the stigma of mental illness with clients.