Webster Hosts Community Discussion on Mental Health in St. Louis

September 11, 2024

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Webster University's Department of Professional Counseling and the Webster Institute for Clinical Scholarship in partnership with Mental Health America of Eastern Missouri will host the second annual Community Convening, a day-long series of workshops with mental health professionals that focuses on mental health issues in the region. The event is possible through a grant from the Chiron Community Giving Foundation (CCGF). It will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 26 on Webster's main campus.

"The purpose of this event is to emphasize, build and strengthen the community among mental health professionals, counselors, social workers, and the funding organizations that help support this work in our region. We are bringing together different groups of people who are working continually to increase access to quality and culturally responsive care to disenfranchised communities and understand what the impacts and the consequences are," said Associate Professor Hasmik Chakaryan, the clinical director of Webster's Department of Professional Counseling. "It should be an enriching day of discussions that will explore the multi-faceted aspects of community violence and the long-term mental health implications within our community, with the focus on healing and restoration."

The keynote speaker of the event will be Maysa Akbar, PhD, a renowned psychologist, author, and DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) expert. The event is free but registration is required. Licensed professional counselors, Licensed clinical social workers, and other select helping professionals can also earn up to 3 hours of continuing education credits.

Akbar is a psychologist, best-selling author, and expert in racial trauma, allyship, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her first book "Urban Trauma, A Legacy of Racism" explores how people of color live in a state of crisis due to oppressive societal systems, resulting in feelings of anger, rage, and hopelessness. In her second book "Beyond Ally: The Pursuit of Racial Justice, with wisdom and compassion," she advances her racial justice work through the creation of the Ally Identity Model, which details the stages of allyship in dismantling systemic oppression.

Akbar is a board-certified clinical psychologist and is an assistant clinical professor at Yale University, School of Medicine. She is the CEO and founder of Integrated Wellness Group, psychotherapy practice specializing in treating race-based trauma since 2008. Akbar represents the American Psychological Association at the United Nations where she informs psychology practice within the international community.

The Community Convening will also include educational sessions led by local experts. The concluding session is an experiential workshop by Mohammadali "Al" Dabiri that will provide fresh insight into the topics under discussion and allows people to join in a communal healing experience. Dabiri is the managing copy editor of the Journal of Comparative & International Higher Education. He also is a doctoral candidate in Higher Education and Policy Analysis at the University of Missouri-Columbia.

"Mental health is at the heart of every thriving community, and events like the Community Convening at Webster University are crucial in fostering collaboration, learning, and healing," said Suzanne King, president and CEO of Mental Health America of Eastern Missouri. "We are proud to partner with Webster University to bring together mental health professionals, community leaders, and those dedicated to increasing access to culturally responsive care. By working together, we can build a stronger, healthier St. Louis region for all."

CCGF is sponsoring the event. The mission of CCGF is to promote effective collaboration that transforms communities and life for the people within them. The Foundation's giving programs focus on improving access to high-quality, affordable mental healthcare in St. Louis and reducing the clinical provider shortage.

For a full schedule of the Community Convening and more details about the day's sessions, please visit www.webster.edu/convening.