Professional Ethics While Working With American Indian and Alaskan Native Populations

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How to Take This Course:

• 1 View Course Worksheet -  View the course worksheet or print it out to review later
• 2 Read the Course Material -  As you read through, mark your answers on the course worksheet to be prepared for the exam
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CE Course Description

In 2024, 7.7 million people made up the American Indian and Alaska Native population alone or in combination with other racial groups. The population is expected to grow to 9 million by 2060, representing close to 3% of the U.S. population. Throughout history, dating back to colonization, American Indian and Alaska Natives have experienced many traumatic events and significant oppression that continues to have an ongoing impact on many of their lives. When clinical social workers and other mental health providers are working with American Indian and Alaska Native clients, they need to understand the unique historical and present factors affecting this population. For example, American Indian and Alaska Native people have some of the highest rates of illicit drug, alcohol, and tobacco use, as well as mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. This course will prepare social workers and other mental health professionals to work across cultural boundaries, providing culturally responsive clinical interventions and supportive services.

Author: Amy Colver, MSSA, MA, LISW

CE Course Objectives

1. Define cultural competency for the American Indian and Alaska Native population.
2. Determine approaches to moving beyond stereotypes in multicultural counseling.
3. Explain the history of alcohol, substance use, and mental health factors in American Indian and Alaska Native communities.
4. Apply best practices for clinical social work practice with this population.
5. Discover current treatment interventions that are sensitive to this community's needs.
6. Describe mental health disparities and ways to address them.

1. Section 1: Introduction - 25 minutes
   • Section 1: Key Terms - 5 minutes
2. Section 2: Cultural Competency and Moving Beyond Stereotypes - 25 minutes
   • Section 2: Key Terms - 5 minutes
   • Section 2: Reflection Questions - 2 minutes
3. Section 3: Substance Use and Mental Health Factors in American Indian and Alaska Native Communities - 35 minutes
   • Section 3: Key Terms - 5 minutes
   • Section 3: Reflection Questions - 2 minute
4. Section 4: Best Practices for Clinical Social Work Practice with the American Indian and Alaska Native Population - 25 minutes
   • Section 4: Key Terms - 3 minutes
   • Section 4: Reflection Questions - 2 minutes
5. Section 5: Culturally Appropriate Treatment Interventions - 20 minutes
   • Section 5: Key Terms - 4 minutes
   • Section 5: Reflection Questions - 2 minutes
6. Section 6: Mental Health Disparities - 15 minutes
7. Conclusion - 5 minutes
8. References

Course Date: 2026-05-14

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