Education of Mental Health Professionals in Norway and Role of Intersectionality

In this panel, we aim to address the role and importance of minority stress and intersectionality in the education of mental health professionals in Norway.

Minority groups, such as sexual, ethnic and other minority groups often experience higher levels of mental health challenges due to minority stress, in combination with discriminatory experiences and microaggressions. Understanding these challenges and how to address them when working with clients with minority identities is crucial for mental health professionals, including psychologists and counsellors.

In this panel, we’ll dive into the importance of minority stress and intersectionality in the daily work of mental health professionals. We aim to discuss whether and how the current curricula approach these topics and what is needed to provide better and more effective mental health support for individuals with minority identities.

Is the current system providing an environment and tools to prevent discrimination outside and inside the therapy rooms? We want to encourage the development and implementation of an inclusive environment which provides professionals with tools and spaces where they can continuously increase their knowledge of minority experiences, regardless of their own background.