An organization dedicated to the restoration, development and establishment of cultural and personal achievement for all
A Faith-based and Behavioral Health Academy
Stepping Higher Inc. (SHI) recently entered into partnership with the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency, Behavioral Health Services to develop and offer the Stepping Higher Faith-based and Behavioral Health Academy, a training and certification program for faith-based leaders and behavioral health providers.
The Academy promotes mutual appreciation of the role of spirituality in positive mental health and how faith – based and behavioral health professionals can work together to promote community wellness.
Negative attitudes (prejudice) and negative responses (discrimination) can compromise a person’s perception of worth and cause feelings of deep shame (stigma).
What Changed
SDSU’s Social Policy Institute provided technical assistance in the design and delivery of The Academy, particularly for African American and Latinx populations, who are often underserved.
In The End
To date, Social Policy Institute has assisted in the revision and redesign of SHI’s certification program as well as assisted in the development of tools to reduce stigma and increase access to behavioral health services.
For more information about Stepping Higher, contact Lori Clarke
Contact SPI Director, Lori Clarke | lsclarke@sdsu.edu