USP & Racial Justice
Our Message in Support of Black Lives Matter
At Union Square Practice, we stand in support of those facing systemic injustice as well as those who have joined them in protest. We, too, are profoundly shaken by the violence perpetrated against our fellow citizens because of the color of their skin. Since January 1st 2015, 1,252 black people have been shot and killed by police–a rate more than twice that of white people.
As a field, we are dedicated to helping people from all backgrounds ease their suffering and find greater meaning, effectiveness, and satisfaction in their lives. This commitment means not only working with those who have already been affected by systemic injustice, but also working to find ways to break down the barriers to equality in our country and helping eradicate this pervasive trauma at its source.
Our work with individuals is guided by an underlying belief that change is always possible. We believe the same about our society. We remain optimistic that in continuing to call out racial injustice, together we can find ways to create a more just and kind world. In our view, nobody is free until everyone can walk, jog, and birdwatch without fear of being antagonized, hurt or killed.
Every member of our staff, regardless of specialty, is extensively trained in helping people talk about difficult topics. As a group practice, we are committed to doing that internally, too. Right now, we are in the process of examining the workings of our practice to identify better ways to lower some of the barriers to accessing mental health care. We are also working to broaden the range of backgrounds of our practitioners as well as to deepen our training in multicultural competence in the clinical setting.
We believe that we all must take part in the dialogue about the “what” and “how” of change, so we would like to help create an environment to discuss the difficult and emotionally charged topic of race in America today.
Mental Health Resources for People of Color
Text NOSTIGMA to 707070
For Kids
Standing up to Racism: a town hall for kids and families from CNN & Sesame Street
How to talk to your children about Racism?
Lists of Educational Materials
Webinars