Designing a Novel Digitally Delivered Antiracism Intervention for Mental Health Clinicians: Exploratory Analysis of Acceptability

Abstract

Background There is a great need for evidence-based antiracism interventions targeting mental health clinicians to help mitigate mental health disparities in racially and ethnically minoritized groups. Objective This study provides an exploratory analysis of mental health clinicians’ perspectives on the acceptability of a web-based antiracism intervention. Methods Mental health clinicians were recruited from a single academic medical center through outreach emails. Data were collected through individual 30-minute semistructured remote video interviews with participants, then recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using content analysis. Results A total of 12 mental health clinicians completed the study; 10 out of 12 (83%) were female candidates. Over half (7/12, 58%) of the respondents desired more robust antiracism training in mental health care. Regarding the web-based antiracism intervention, (8/12, 67%) enjoyed the digitally delivered demo module, (7/12, 58%) of respondents suggested web-based content would be further enhanced with the addition of in-person or online group components. Conclusions Our results suggest a strong need for additional antiracist training for mental health clinicians. Overall, participants responded favorably to novel web-based delivery methods for an antiracism intervention. These findings provide important support for future development and pilot testing of a large-scale digitally enhanced antiracist curriculum targeting mental health clinicians.