CLASS BIAS IN THE THERAPEUTIC RELATIONSHIP: A CALL TO BIOETHICISTS

Abstract

Bioethicists have made great strides in identifying and addressing biases that can negatively impact healthcare outcomes. However, the scope of these efforts has rarely included mental healthcare, such as psychotherapy. Discussion of healthcare biases also does not address socio-economic class as adequately as it should. In what follows, I argue that class related biases may be detrimental to the effectiveness of mental health treatment. Unconscious class biases may harm the relationship between a psychologist and patient in ways that are not adequately understood or appreciated. I also examine ways in which class bias may be incorporated into current anti-bias education and training practices.