About Perspective Insight
Robin Dean, PsyD, MSEd
I am a licensed psychologist practicing at SUNY Upstate Medical University in the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Clinic. I have a background in education with experience in teaching, leading workshops, and facilitating groups. I earned a Masters Degree in Elementary Special Education from Lehman College, CUNY and worked in special education for 7 years before pursuing a career in psychology. My specialization is in issues of multiculturalism and diversity, which is reflected in both my training and my clinical practice. The training for my Doctorate Degree in Clinical Psychology, from the Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology at Rutgers University, included a multicultural concentration that required coursework in systems theory and treatment of diverse populations, supervision incorporating cultural competence, and multicultural research. My career has focused on assessment and therapy with child and adolescent clients and families from diverse backgrounds (e.g. SES, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, family make-up, etc.). I have worked for several years, in a variety of settings, and have a wealth of experience in the field.
I have created and implemented training on cultural issues in clinical practice. I reimagined the diversity training sequence for an APA accredited psychology internship program. I then implemented the revamped curriculum with psychology interns for 3 years. I designed a workshop on cultural identity that has been provided to direct care and clinical employees at NYS OMH hospitals. I have also published articles and given numerous presentations on issues of culture, diversity, equity, and multicultural competence on the local and international level. Those who have participated in my trainings and workshops have expressed that I have a masterful style that creates a space where individuals feel challenged and also safe to explore complex issues related to culture and diversity.
a shift in perspective
Mental health treatment has, traditionally, had a Eurocentric, heteronormative orientation. Minorities have been systematically underserved. There is insufficient emphasis on multicultural issues in therapist training. More recently there has been a significant emphasis in the American community on multiculturalism. A core value and ethical responsibility within the mental health profession is to provide effective interventions for the welfare of the client. Diverse clients have a right to receive services from providers who are sensitive to and aware of their specific needs and have the training and experience to provide competent interventions.
a mission toward greater insight
This company is founded on the philosophy that everyone regardless of culture deserves quality care. At Perspective Insight, we provide training and support to practitioners to elevate their skills in working with clients of diverse backgrounds. The training is on cultural humility and multicultural practice effective in increasing understanding and skills for service providers. The focus is on increasing insight and improving the capabilities of practitioners across a wide range of multicultural understanding.