Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ)

Dear Embark Behavioral Health Community,

As we navigate through today's climate of change, uncertainty, and social awakening, Embark Behavioral Health remains deeply committed to the principles of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ). As we continue to uphold the highest standards of clinical integrity, we recognize that our dedication to DEIJ is foundational to creating a welcoming, supportive, and effective environment for both our clients and our team members.

The values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice are central to the healing process, and at Embark, we understand the unique intersection of mental health and systemic inequities. We are mindful of the complexities and challenges that many individuals face and are dedicated to providing accessible, compassionate, and culturally competent care for all. By fostering an environment where every person feels respected, valued, and understood, we aim to empower those we serve, as well as those who provide care.

At Embark, our core values of empathy, service, trusting relationships, growth, and results are deeply aligned with our commitment to DEIJ. These values guide how we interact with each other, our clients, and the communities we serve:

• Empathy: Our ability to understand and share the feelings of others forms the cornerstone of our clinical approach. Empathy is essential in recognizing the diverse experiences and struggles of individuals from all backgrounds, ensuring that every person we serve feels seen, heard, and understood.
• Service: We are committed to providing compassionate, accessible, and high-quality care for all, regardless of background or identity. Service, in its truest form, means actively listening to the unique needs of each individual and offering care that is not only effective but also culturally relevant and sensitive to their personal experience.
• Trusting Relationships: Trust is fundamental to healing. We believe that building trusting relationships is crucial in fostering a safe and inclusive environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their experiences, challenges, and goals. This trust is rooted in mutual respect for each person’s identity and lived experiences.
• Growth: At Embark, we encourage both personal and professional growth—within our clients and within ourselves. We are committed to the continuous development of our clinical staff in their cultural competence, ensuring that they are well-equipped to support individuals from diverse backgrounds and meet the evolving needs of our communities.
• Results: We believe in achieving meaningful outcomes for those we serve, and this includes creating lasting, positive change in the areas of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. Our commitment to DEIJ is not just aspirational but measurable, as we strive to ensure that all individuals have equitable access to care, opportunity, and support.

As part of our continued commitment to these values, we are reinvigorating our DEIJ Committee to ensure that the voices of our diverse communities are heard, and their needs are met in the most thoughtful and effective ways possible. This committee will work across all levels of our organization to promote inclusivity, ensure equity, and address issues of systemic injustice.

We recognize that meaningful progress in DEIJ requires action, reflection, and accountability. Our leadership team is fully dedicated to making this a priority and will continue to evaluate our practices, policies, and interactions to ensure that they align with our commitment to the highest clinical standards and DEIJ principles.

Should you have any interest in engaging with the DEIJ Committee or have ideas to share regarding how we can strengthen our efforts, I encourage you to reach out directly to Dr. Sharnell Myles at [email protected]. Your voice and input are vital in driving forward a culture of belonging, justice, and excellence within our organization.

Thank you for being a part of this journey. Together, we can continue to ensure that Embark Behavioral Health is a place where everyone feels supported, respected, and empowered to thrive.

Dr. Sharnell Myles,
Chief Clinical Officer