Welcome to the winter edition of our newsletter. In this issue, we feature APA’s mental health equity champion, Jonathan Shepherd, M.D. Dr. Shepherd explains that to be a champion you must “be bold about what you stand for. You must be bold, and you must be courageous. That alone will make you a mental health equity champion.” In this edition we also recount several insightful events that focused on integrating social determinants of mental health (SDOMH) into psychiatric care and education, meditation and mindfulness in psychiatry, and the importance of cultural congruency in mental health care. And don’t miss out on a new learning bundle opportunity lead by multidisciplinary leaders in substance use disorder and addiction focused on key aspects to consider when working with vulnerable populations. Get ready to be inspired by Anjali Gupta, M.D., as she conducts thought-provoking interviews with trailblazing women psychiatrists. To round out this issue, you can explore how culinary medicine can promote mental and physical health with Wil Wong, M.D.
"Nothing gets transformed in your life until your mind is transformed." — Ifeanyi Enoch Onuoha
Regina James, M.D.
Deputy Medical Director | Chief, Division of Diversity and Health Equity
American Psychiatric Association
Mental Health Equity Champion Spotlight – Dr. Jonathan Shepherd
Jonathan Shepherd, M.D., is a board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist. Dr. Shepherd is the Chief Clinical Officer for the District of Columbia Department of Behavioral Health. He is also a part-time staff psychiatrist at The Ross Center.
Social Determinants of Mental Health Spotlight: Highlights from the Social Determinants of Mental Health Convening
The American Psychiatric Association recently hosted a groundbreaking convening focused on integrating social determinants of mental health (SDOMH) into psychiatric care and education.
Advocacy in Action: 2025 Update on Maternal Mental Health Priorities
Promoting federal legislation that improves health and mental health outcomes for underserved populations is an important component to APA’s advocacy mission.
Podcast Premiere: Season Two of Women Psychiatrists Caucus Chats Premieres This March
Anjali Gupta, M.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the Georgetown University School of Medicine.
Mindfulness in Psychiatry: A Bridge to Wellbeing for Diverse Populations
"Your breath is a tool that you have with you at all times, anywhere you go, always readily available." Lisa Fortuna, M.D., M.P.H., MDiv, shared this insight on the therapeutic potential of the breath during the American Psychiatric Association’s virtual panel discussion “Meditation and Mindfulness: A Cultural Bridge to Mental Wellbeing.”
New Learning Bundle Available for 4 CME Credits on Substance Use and Addiction
The American Psychiatric Association has curated "Voices for Change: Substance Use and Addiction in Minoritized/Marginalized Communities" as a self-paced series available in our learning center.
From Competence to Humility: Advancing Culturally Responsive Mental Health Care
Yolanda Lawson, M.D., FACOG, is Immediate Past President of the National Medical Association. She is the Executive Medical Director at Health Care Services Corporation and leads initiatives to improve maternal and infant health outcomes.
Culture Corner: Culinary Medicine for Positive Mental and Physical Health
Variety may be the spice of life, but a variety of spices might be just what the doctor orders for a long and healthy life. Spices bring dishes to life, defining flavor profiles that impart distinctiveness to cuisines.