Event Details
When:
Mon, Feb 2, 2026, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Location:
Online: Zoom
In-Person at WWU
Academic Instructional Center West
Room 210
Price:
Free
Brought to you by:
Center for Cross-Cultural Research, Department of Psychology, The Foundation for WWU & Alumni
Description
Check out this video to watch the Bridging Clinical Science and Practice.
Evidence-based psychological treatments (EBTs) are often implemented as if following a recipe: therapists are expected to adhere to a manual much like a baker follows written instructions. However, successful baking requires more than strict adherence - it also depends on understanding which ingredients and steps are essential, which can be modified, and when adaptation is necessary to meet the needs of the person being served (e.g., gluten-free substitutions). Similarly, effective psychotherapy requires foundational knowledge about which elements of an EBT must remain intact to produce positive outcomes and which can be adapted to fit clients’ cultural beliefs, values, and practices. This talk will illustrate instances in which EBT implementation aligns well with client needs, as well as cases in which it does not. It will then describe how clinicians modify treatments in practice and present emerging tools designed to support culturally responsive adaptations that preserve the active ingredients of evidence-based care.
If you are able to join us in person, there will be a reception with light appetizers following the presentation.
Featuring:
Dr. Alayna Park is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of Oregon. Dr. Park’s research is driven by the goal of improving the accessibility and effectiveness of mental health services. She is particularly interested in re-designing mental health programs and developing decision support tools for mitigating racial and ethnic mental health disparities. Dr. Park has published dozens of scientific papers on the topics of mental health treatment design, clinical decision-making, and the dissemination and implementation of evidence-based psychotherapies in public sector settings. Her work has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Spotlight on a Mentor Award from the Association of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT), the Diversity Paper Award from the Society for the Advancement of Psychotherapy, and the Charles E. and Sue K. Young Graduate Student Award from UCLA.
Questions and Accommodations
- Your point of contact for this event is The Foundation for WWU & Alumni. Call (360) 650-3353 or email Alumni@wwu.edu.
- Advance notice for disability accommodations and special needs is appreciated. Please mention your needs when registering.
- There will be auto-captions for the Zoom webinar.
WWU Visitor Parking after 4:30pm on Weekdays
- Mon-Fri after 4:30pm parking is free only in the south C lots and 12G by Fairhaven College. Please note that parking is not free in these lots from 7:00am-4:30pm.
- Limited paid parking is available after 4:30pm in north lots 6V and 7G.
- More parking details for campus visitors are available online.
Parking at WWU after 4:30pm on Weekdays for Visitors with Disabilities
- Mon-Fri after 4:30pm a WWU permit is not required as long as you display your valid state disability placard. You can park in any available disability space or adjacent space.
- Please note that parking is not free from 7:00am-4:30pm.
- More parking details for campus visitors with disabilities are available online.
The views expressed by our speakers do not necessarily reflect those of Western Washington University.
