Information Hub / Events Continuing Education
Trauma-Informed Advocacy: Elevating Mental Health for Foster Youth in Care with Dr. Jessica Smedley
12:00 PMMonday, December 15 2025
11:00 AMMonday, December 15 2025
10:00 AMMonday, December 15 2025
9:00 AMMonday, December 15 2025
8:00 AMMonday, December 15 2025
7:00 AM
Dr. Smedley is an award-winning Clinical Psychologist who also wears additional hats as a business owner, adjunct professor, and published author. She has been very successful in her independent practice specifically focusing on the mental health needs of the Black community. Her areas of research and publications are consistently focused on incorporating strength-based outlook on healing and mental health recovery which she has found important in her research background and clinical knowledge of various traumas faced in communities of color. Dr. Smedley has been sought out and quoted by a number of media outlets – both television and print - establishing herself as an expert in mental wellness and trauma. Further, she is respected amongst her peers as she has served in a number of leadership roles to include the Past President of the DC Psychological Association and the Past Chair of the APA Advocacy Coordinating Committee, and Past Chair of the APA Diversity Subcommittee of the Committee of State Leaders. She is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc and a proud mother of a baby boy.
This course will offer and overview of advocacy, the various ways that we can serve as advocates as mental health professionals and some application for practice.
This course is eligible for 2 continuing education credits.
This course is suitable for Psychologists, LMHCs, MFTs, Social Workers, LPCs, and Counselors.
Introductory
9:00–9:10 Welcome & Introduction
9:10–9:30 What Is Advocacy?
9:30–10:00 Types of Advocacy in Mental Health
10:00–10:40 Applying Advocacy in Practice
10:40–10:55 Case Application & Interactive Activity
10:55–11:00 Wrap-Up & Questions
At the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- List at least 2-3 types of advocacy in mental health.
- Describe ways to implement advocacy into community and/or clinical practice.