Antisemitism: What Mental Health Professionals Need to Know

Jews comprise a mere 2.4% of the U.S. population, yet according to the FBI, consistently represent targets of more than half of all religion-based hate crimes. Considered one of the world’s oldest forms of hatred, antisemitism has evolved alongside society, making it more and more difficult to identify, understand, and combat. As mental health professionals we are uniquely situated to fight against antisemitism, but many clinicians report a lack of knowledge and accompanying discomfort in addressing issues around antisemitism.

The insidious nature of antisemitism brings severe detriment to not just Jews, but society as a whole. Together, we’ll develop a foundational understanding of antisemitism, exploring its manifestations and how it impacts mental health. Participants will walk away empowered with the tools they need to become allies joining the fight against antisemitism.

I hope this training is offered more widely, it was one of the most useful and well-presented trainings I've attended in years. I was shocked to learn about some of the things that are going on, I couldn't believe how much I didn't know. It was extremely engaging, with many examples and reflections. The environment was balanced, nuanced, and positive despite the sensitive topics discussed. I enjoyed how grounded it was in research and citations to counteract the misinformation. This feels like a mandatory training given the state of the world.

P., Therapist
This was a long training, but I didn't want it to end. I was texting my colleagues to recommend it to them before it even ended. As a Jewish therapist, it was so validating to hear Dr. Levanda name so much of what Jews have been going through. I was impressed with how she was able to present so much of what I've been thinking about in a concise, well-researched manner. She presents everything people need to understand their unconscious antisemitic biases and work with Jewish patients without doing harm.

R., Therapist
I recently had the privilege of attending Dr. Liya Levanda's training on antisemitism and its impact on mental health, and it was an eye-opening experience unlike any other training I've encountered. Dr. Levanda created an incredibly safe and supportive space for discussing this sensitive and often overlooked topic. Her ability to balance various perspectives while maintaining a neutral stance was particularly impressive, fostering a respectful and inclusive environment for all participants. This training addresses a critical aspect of cultural competency that is typically neglected in clinical psychology programs. I gained a profound awareness of the extent and severity of antisemitism and its profound effects on mental health, making this training an invaluable addition to any mental health professional's education.

C., Doctoral Intern