By Elvis Gyan, Ph.D.
Director, Social Determinants of Mental Health, American Psychiatric Association

The American Psychiatric Association recently hosted a groundbreaking convening focused on integrating social determinants of mental health (SDOMH) into psychiatric care and education. Held virtually on November 8, 2024, the event brought together leading psychiatrists, educators, researchers, and policymakers to explore actionable solutions for addressing mental health care for all. This convening was conceptualized by the APA’s Presidential Task Force in their SDOMH final report and recommendations.

The convening began with an address by APA Deputy Medical Director and Chief of the Division of Diversity and Health Equity Regina James, M.D., who encouraged participants to discuss short- and long-term action steps that can be operationalized in the clinical setting.

Building Momentum: Interactive Panels and Presentations

Participants engaged in a series of dynamic panels and workshops that covered diverse topics, including:

• Impact of SDOMH Assessments in Psychiatry: Experts discussed how incorporating patients' social contexts can lead to more personalized and effective treatment plans. For example, Dilip V. Jeste, M.D., past president of APA, said, "The EHR in most settings do not include SDOMH, and the field needs more effective practical assessments to help us know which determinants are more important for a given patient. All SDOMHs may not apply to all patients."
• Advocacy, Collaboration, and Community Engagement: Advocates highlighted successful partnerships with local organizations to address social determinants at the grassroots level. There was a critical focus on policy issues and best practices to improve patient care related to the social determinants of mental health. Allan Tasman, M.D., past president of APA, explained how his work with Physician Leadership on National Drug Policy led to the development of a project focused on intervening in state courts to develop the capacity for drug courts. Over the next 30 years, this work led to a series of grants from SAMHSA and the formation of a consortium of 40 national clinical organizations.
• Psychiatric Training and Education: Leaders shared strategies for embedding SDOMH into psychiatric training programs to prepare the next generation of clinicians. Paul Rosenfield, M.D., director of psychiatric education and training at Mount Sinai, and Dolores Malaspina, M.D., professor of psychiatry, neuroscience, and genetics at Mount Sinai, both emphasized the importance of extensive biopsychosocial formulation training as a foundational way of putting together a holistic view of patients.

To watch the SDOMH Convening recordings, please use the following link. After successful completion, you will be eligible to receive up to 3 CME credits.

Watch SDOMH Recordings

Charting the Path Forward

The convening culminated in a collaborative discussion on potential next steps, which are outlined below. These next steps, which include training and education of SDOMH for clinicians and non-clinicians; enhancing public awareness of SDOMH through research publications and live webinars; highlighting SDOMH at the APA Annual Meeting, working to advance position statements and policies; and establishing strategic partnerships with organizations such as the National Alliance to End Homelessness, hold the promise of significant positive impact in our shared mission. This collective effort was furthered by a follow-up meeting on December 11, 2024, during which attendees identified key priorities for the APA to advance SDOMH in psychiatry. These include:

• Developing standardized tools for SDOMH screening in clinical settings
• Advocating for policy changes that address structural inequities impacting mental health
• Prioritizing collaborations with external organizations such as community health organizations, homeless shelters, and local food pantries
• Developing and providing SDOMH training to non-psychiatrists to deepen community engagement, increase public awareness, and foster partnerships

This convening is a significant milestone in the APA's unwavering commitment to addressing the social drivers of mental health and fostering an equitable mental health system. As past APA president Vivian B. Pender, M.D, eloquently said, "By understanding and addressing the social determinants of mental health, we can create a future where every individual has the opportunity to achieve optimal mental well-being."

Looking Ahead in 2025

The APA will look to continue developing SDOMH initiatives to keep members informed and engaged. If you are interested in being a part of this process, don't hesitate to get in touch with me at [email protected].

For more information about this event and future opportunities, visit https://www.psychiatry.org/sdomh.