Article Discussion: Re-envisioning the mental health system, alternatives to the biomedical model

Laura Baker (she/they) is a Marriage and Family Therapist Intern specializing in liberation and critical psychologies in addition to social justice-oriented therapy. Laura received a Masters in Community Mental Health Counseling from the California Institute of Integral Studies and is currently working towards AASECT certification as a sex therapist. Laura enjoys working at the intersection between art, community organizing, and therapy and primarily works with LGBTQIA+ youth and young adults.

This discussion features selected writings from We've Been Too Patient: Voices from Radical Mental Health - Stories and Research Challenging the Biomedical Model, an anthology focusing on diversity, inclusion, and social justice within the mental health field featuring writing from folks with experience navigating the mental health system - both as clients and practitioners. We will explore the position of power we hold as clinicians, the tension between client autonomy and professional responsibilities, if and how we feel that social justice has a role in our clinical work, and our hopes for the future of our profession.