APA Blogs
27 Results
New Podcast Features Conversations with Leading Women Psychiatrists
The field of psychiatry has greatly benefited from the contributions of women, who have played a crucial role in advancing research and clinical practice. Women psychiatrists have made significant strides in understanding mental illnesses and developing effective treatments. One such pioneer is Helen Mayberg, M.D., whose groundbreaking work on deep brain stimulation for treatment-resistant depression has transformed the field. Nada Stotland, M.D., a former president of the APA, is another remarkable trailblazer who has played an instrumental role in advocating for policy changes that reduce stigma and improve access to mental health care. There are countless women like Dr. Mayberg and Dr. Stotland who have furthered the field of psychiatry in so many ways.
Pets and Mental Health: 2024 Social Media Toolkit
We're back again! March is here, and so is #Paws4MentalHealth, celebrating the mental health impact of our cats, dogs and other furry (and not furry) friends. Join the movement and take a "paws" in your day to share how your pets positively influence your well-being. Let's make this a month to remember! #Paws4MentalHealth
Hispanic Heritage Month: How One Psychiatrist Explored Culturally Competent Care
One in five (22%) Hispanics/Latinos have a mental illness and one in 20 have a serious mental illness, according to the latest federal government data (SAMHSA 2023). Yet only 36% of Hispanics/Latinos received mental health services, compared to 52% of whites. During Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 – Oct. 15), we can celebrate the achievements and contributions of Hispanics/Latinos while also acknowledging the equity work that still needs to be done to increase access to care and decrease stigma around mental health and substance use. Psychiatrists and other mental health professionals can help meet the moment by considering Hispanic/Latino communities’ varied needs, including language fluency and cultural competency.
8 Step Mental Health Checkup
We often focus more on treating illnesses, both physical and mental, than on staying healthy. But the absence of mental illness does not necessarily mean good mental health.
Overcoming Barriers to Mental Health Care for Spanish-Speakers
An estimated 14% of the U.S. population speaks Spanish at home, and 16 million Spanish speakers have limited English proficiency(1). In addition to the potential barrier of lack of language services, recent research has identified other factors contributing to inequities in access and outcomes for Spanish-speaking patients, including perceived discrimination, and mistrust and privacy concerns.(2)