Washington, D.C.—The American Psychiatric Association (APA) will kick off the new year with a community roundtable, “It’s a Family Affair: Exploring the Intersection of Mental Health, Spirituality and Faith,” in partnership with Christ Community Church of Philadelphia and the Christian Mental Health Initiative.

According to a recent APA survey, the majority (57%) of people who belong to a religious community say they would be likely to reach out to a faith leader if they experienced mental health concerns. Yet, barriers such as stigma exist; only 52% of respondents said that their religious community openly talks about mental health. The roundtable will delve into how faith, spirituality and mental health treatment can work in harmony to foster mental health and wellbeing across generations.

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 4, 1–3:30 p.m. ET.

WHERE: Christ Community Church of Philadelphia (4017 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104)

WHO: APA Deputy Medical Director and Chief of Diversity and Health Equity Regina S. James and Christ Community Church of Philadelphia Lead Pastor Ernest Daniel Jr. will moderate the discussion. Panelists include:

• Atasha Jordan, M.D., M.B.A., founder of the Christian Mental Health Initiative, APA SAMHSA MFP Alumna
• Jay Barnett, D.H.A., mental health visionary, author and executive producer, 2024 APA MOORE Equity in Mental Health Initiative Grand Marshal
• Jonathan Shepherd, M.D., chief clinical officer for the DC Department of Behavioral Health, APA Caucus of Black Psychiatrists President
• Nora Dennis, M.D., M.S.P.H., DFAPA, CEO and founder of Jubilee Integrated Wellness PLLC and Jubilee Healing Farm, APA & APAF MOORE Equity in Mental Health Community Grants Program Recipient
• Tami D. Benton, M.D., president of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Following the roundtable, attendees are invited to a community connection corner with resources from local partners, including:

• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Greater Philadelphia Chapter
• Christian Mental Health Initiative 
• City of Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services
• COMHAR
• Community Council Health Systems
• Greater Philadelphia Health Action
• Institute for the Development of African American Youth
• Public Health Management Corporation

MEDIA: If you have additional questions email [email protected]g or call 202-609-7113.

For additional resources on building collaborations between faith leaders and mental health professionals, visit the APA Foundation’s Mental Health and Faith Partnership.

American Psychiatric Association

The American Psychiatric Association, founded in 1844, is the oldest medical association in the country. The APA is also the largest psychiatric association in the world with more than 38,900 physician members specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and research of mental illnesses. APA’s vision is to ensure access to quality psychiatric diagnosis and treatment. For more information, please visit www.psychiatry.org.