Counseling and Psychological Services at the University of California, Merced recognizes the need to support the mental well-being of our Black, Indigenous, and people of the color community (BIPOC) as well as our LGBTQIA scholars. We acknowledge the history psychology has played in racially biased practices. Our past reflects periods in which the field of psychology has acted as a bystander, and even more damaging, as an accomplice to racial injustice and systems of oppression. Despite these transgressions, we honor those practitioners who have courageously called out these discriminatory and inequitable systems and contributed to advancing our knowledge around racist ideology, practices, and behaviors in an effort to facilitate positive social change.
Counseling and Psychological Services at UC Merced is committed to continuing these efforts through self-reflection in our daily practice, providing culturally responsive and sensitive care as well as supporting the next generation of diverse mental health providers. We recognize there is much work to be done, but as a team, we are determined to continue advancing anti-racist psychological practices and social justice efforts through collaborative care with our Bobcat community
