•   APA Headquarters Penthouse in Washington, D.C.
•   Friday, January 10, 2024
•   8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. ET

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Sessions

Keynote Address

 

 

  Yolanda Lawson, M.D., FACOG, Recent Past President of the National Medical Association, Founder of MadeWell Obstetrics and Gynecology

Understanding Cultural Competency Moving Toward a Culturally Humble Approach in Mental Healthcare Delivery

 

  Neil Krishnan Aggarwal, M.D., PLLC, Psychiatrist and Social Scientist, Professor at Columbia University Department of Psychiatry, Member, Committee on Global Thought

  Puja Chadha, M.D., Clinical Professor, Clinical Educator, Director of Faculty Development, University of California, Davis Health Systems

This session will provide attendees with an overview of scientific evidence on how providers can work with patients across different backgrounds and identities to close disparities in mental health care. We discuss how disparities affect each point in the mental health services pathway. We also review the National Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) Standards developed by the federal government for healthcare institutions and the Cultural Formulation Interview (CFI) in DSM-5 and DSM-5-TR. The panelists discuss strategies to integrate these frameworks within mental health services. The session closes with ways for providers to enhance emotional intelligence in working within multidisciplinary teams across patient populations to improve outcomes.

Navigating Cultural Intersectionality: A Lesson in Cultural Adaptability

  Javeed Sukhera M.D., Ph.D., FRCPC, Chair/Chief of Psychiatry, Institute of Living and Hartford Hospital, Physician, Educator, and Social Scientist

  Lillian Comas-Diaz. Ph.D., M.A., Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences

  Erlanger Turner, Ph.D., M.S., Licensed Psychologist, Associate Professor of Psychology, Director of Race and Cultural Experiences Research Lab, Pepperdine School of Education and Psychology, Author of: Mental Health among African American: Innovations in Research and Practice

This session will focus on the critical role of cultural adaptability in delivering effective mental health care. The panelists will explore the nuances of communication norms influenced by complex intersectional backgrounds, highlighting how factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, and lived experiences shape interactions. Attendees will gain practical tools and strategies to adjust communication styles, reduce misunderstandings, and foster culturally responsive interactions that enhance therapeutic outcomes in diverse care settings.

Utilizing an Equity-Minded Approach to Mental Healthcare Delivery

  Regina James, M.D. (Moderator), APA Chief of Diversity and Health Equity & Deputy Medical Director

  Brian McGregor, Ph.D., M.S., Community Psychologist, Owner of McGregor Research & Consulting, LLC, Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor, Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Moorehouse School of Medicine

  Omar A. Escontrías, DrPH, MPH, Senior Vice President, Equity, Research & Programs National Health Council

This session will equip attendees with strategies to practice mental health care through an equity lens. Panelists will discuss methods for practitioners to identify and address personal biases, alongside fostering a comprehensive understanding of the social determinants that shape health outcomes in their communities. Attendees will gain valuable community-centered insights into enhancing patient-centered care, creating a unique opportunity to deepen their approach to equitable, responsive healthcare delivery.

Lessons Learned and Action Planning

In this final session, attendees will have the opportunity to reflect on the knowledge gained and collaboratively develop actionable plans to implement within their organizations and practices. This session will encourage discussion, allowing participants to devise tailored strategies for applying insights to foster meaningful change in their professional settings.