APA Provides Resources in Conjunction With Diversity Mental Health Month

APA has designated July as Diversity Mental Health Month, a time to bring attention to mental health disparities and to focus on the mental health needs within diverse communities. "The richness of the United States is reflected in our great diversity. Likewise, APA is strengthened by our broad and diverse membership who come together to support the goals of improving patient care and scientific advances in psychiatry," commented APA President Paul Summergrad, M.D. "Diversity mental health month is a time for reflection on the respectful engagement we need to have with all who need our help."

In a video, APA CEO and Medical Director Saul Levin, M.D., M.P.A., introduces the concept behind Diversity Mental Health Month and the many resources that APA's Division of Diversity and Health Equity has put together for your use not only in July but on an ongoing basis. The video can be accessed at APA's Diversity Mental Health Month webpage here. Additional resources and an infographic on diverse populations are also posted on the webpage. There are also links to a special toolkit that members can download that includes fact sheets, brochures, and community outreach ideas, and educational videos about mental health issues in African-American and Latino populations.

"APA has designated July as the first annual Diversity Mental Health Month as part of our ongoing effort to enhance awareness about the mental health needs of individuals from diverse communities and promote the use of cultural competency in clinical practice and research among psychiatrists and other clinicians," said Levin. "This month is an opportunity to reflect on how we can provide optimal, high-quality care to every one of our patients, regardless of their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic status, religion, or other cultural attributes."