BLACK PSYCHIATRISTS OF AMERICA INC

Meet Dr. Sarah Y. Vinson, M.D., a Co-Author of Social (In)justice and Mental Health, at the just concluded 2024 Black Psychiatrists of America Transcultural Conference in Nairobi, Kenya ????. This book introduces readers to the concept of social justice and the role that social injustice plays in the identification, diagnosis, and management of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. You definitely want to check this out! Available on Amazon: Social (In)justice and Mental Health https://a.co/d/6Uyj5QH For more inquiries, feel free to reach out to Dr. Sarah Vinson. #bpa #blackauthor #psychiatry #socialinjustice #mentalhealth

??CALL FOR PAPERS!?? Hear from the Chair of the Scientific Program at BPA, Dr. Nicole Washington,D.O.,MPH ??The 2025 Black Psychiatrists of America Spring Conference would take place April 3-6 in Atlanta, Georgia?? Theme - Shaping Health Equity: Fighting for Our Minds Submit your abstracts here: https://lnkd.in/d2DWri48 Deadline for submission: December 20, 2024 To learn more about this conference & about becoming a BPA member, visit: https://lnkd.in/gwESnMqA #bpa #blackpsychiatristsofamerica #mentalhealth #conference

??Speaker: Constance E. Dunlap MD, Jessica Elizabeth Isom MD MPH & Dr. Ravi Chandra, MD. ?? After the Holmes Commission Report: Rewriting the Script on Race in Psychoanalysis & Psychotherapy ?? ?? 2024 Black Psychiatrists of America Transcultural Conference in Nairobi, Kenya ???? **Day 4, Session 4** ?? Highlights ?? ??The Holmes Commission report unveils the racial and systemic barriers in psychoanalysis, shedding light on racial disparities in training, access, and approach. ??A critical reflection on implicit bias and how it shapes patient-therapist dynamics, echoing issues across healthcare. ??Insights from Black psychoanalysts on psychoanalytic theory, challenging foundational figures and pushing for socially-aware frameworks. ?? Objectives ?? ??Increase Awareness: Understand the impact of systemic racism within psychoanalysis. ??Empower Clinicians: Equip mental health professionals to address racial trauma in therapy. ??Encourage Dialogue: Foster conversations on race, racism, and its effects on mental health, moving beyond traditional psychoanalytic models. ??Inspire Change: Encourage transformative practices that integrate social justice into psychoanalysis. ?? Call to Action ?? Let’s break down barriers together! ?? Dive into the report, reflect on its findings, and advocate for inclusive psychoanalytic practices. Whether clinician, student, or supporter, your voice is crucial in rewriting the script on race in mental health! ????? #bpa #bpatc2024 #blackmentalhealth #mentalhealth #psychiatry

??Speaker: Ifeanyi Olele DO, MBA, MS ?? Advancements in Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Enhancing Black Mental Health?? ?? 2024 Black Psychiatrists of America Transcultural Conference in Nairobi, Kenya ???? **Day 4, Session 3** ? This presentation dives into the powerful potential of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) in transforming mental health care within Black communities. TMS offers a non-invasive, drug-free option for individuals with treatment-resistant depression and holds promise for conditions like OCD and smoking cessation. By advancing access to innovative treatment, we can make strides toward greater mental health equity! ?????? ?? Key Objectives: ??Showcase TMS’s effectiveness in treating treatment-resistant depression. ??Address unique mental health needs and challenges within Black communities ??. ??Share success stories that illustrate TMS's impact on patient well-being. ?? Presentation Highlights: ?? What is TMS? TMS stimulates specific brain areas with magnetic pulses, encouraging neuroplasticity and supporting mood regulation. ?? Benefits for Black Mental Health: TMS offers a culturally sensitive, drug-free treatment option that can reduce stigma and be integrated into community mental health practices. ?? Success Story: One patient’s journey with TMS resulted in notable improvements in symptoms of depression and anxiety with minimal side effects, showcasing the potential for positive change. ?? Breaking Barriers: The presentation addresses key issues like limited mental health care access, stigma, and cost—barriers we must overcome to make TMS an accessible alternative for all. ?? Take the Next Step Toward Mental Wellness! ?? Ready to discover new, effective mental health options? Let’s work together to break down barriers and open new pathways to healing within our communities. #bpa #bpatc2024 #tms #psychiatry #blackmentalhealth #mentalhealth

??Speakers: Alicia Barnes DO, MPH & Pamela Collins ??? Creating Mental Health-Friendly Cities for Urban Youth ???? ?? 2024 Black Psychiatrists of America Transcultural Conference in Nairobi, Kenya ???? **Day 4, Session 2** ??? This talk dives into the urgent need for mental health support in urban youth through an integrated System of Care framework. ?? Objectives: ??System of Care Integration ?? – Uniting education, healthcare, and local resources for youth wellness. ??Address Mega-Trends ??? – Tackle issues like social inequality, climate impact, and crowding that affect urban youth. ??Youth-Centered Co-Design ??? – Engage youth voices in creating safe, supportive urban environments. ?? Highlights: ??Youth Mental Health Crisis ??: Surgeons General globally call for urgent responses as mental health needs skyrocket. ??Urbanization Challenges ???: Cities provide opportunity but bring stress and isolation. Safe, inclusive spaces are vital. ??Empowering Youth ???: Center youth voices in policy and design to create truly supportive cities. ??? Call to Action: Join the movement to create mental health-friendly cities! Together, we can ensure urban spaces uplift, support, and empower our youth. ?? #bpa #bpatc2024 #BlackMentalHealth #MentalHealth #Psychiatry #Adolescents

??Insights from: Stephanie Michael Stewart M.D. & Aldwin Soumare ?? Exploring African and Diasporic Indigenous Psychedelics for Community Healing?? ?? 2024 Black Psychiatrists of America Transcultural Conference in Nairobi, Kenya ???? **Day 4, Session 1** ??Objectives: ??Dive into ancestral wisdom on the use of indigenous psychedelics ??. ??Discuss the impact of community-rooted healing practices for mental and emotional well-being. ??Reconnect with nature and lineage to bring deeper healing to Black communities ??. ??Highlights: ??Psychedelics can foster a profound connection to self, nature, and community. African traditions have long incorporated psychoactive plants, holding potential for healing racial trauma and building resilience. ??Studies show psychedelics can lower fear responses and enhance connection—vital for racial trauma healing. ??Community and ritual play a key role in amplifying the effects of these plant-based therapies, often missing in Western models. ?? Call to Action: Join us in reclaiming ancestral wisdom! ?? Let’s explore how these traditions can support collective healing and mental wellness. Embrace a new paradigm for healing that centers community, lineage, and connection. ?? #bpa #bpatc2024 #Blackmentalhealth #Mentalhealth #Psychiatry

??Speaker: Dr. Ayana Gibbs ?? Understanding ADHD in Black Women by Dr. Ayana Gibbs ?? ?? 2024 Black Psychiatrists of America Transcultural Conference in Nairobi, Kenya ???? ** Day 3, Session 5** Dr. Ayana Gibbs presented her groundbreaking insights on the intersection of race, gender, and ADHD in Black women. ?? Objectives: With a robust background in neuroscience and pharmacology, Dr. Gibbs aims to shed light on the often-overlooked nuances of ADHD in Black women. Over her three years working with an adult ADHD service, she’s observed barriers rooted in cultural, racial, and gender biases. Her objective is to highlight these disparities, empower clinicians, and foster equitable practices in mental healthcare. ?? Highlights: ??Discrepancies in Diagnosis: Black women often face delays or misdiagnoses, influenced by societal stereotypes and a lack of cultural representation in ADHD studies. ??Epistemic Injustice: Dr. Gibbs introduces this concept, where marginalized individuals’ experiences are undervalued, leading to insufficient recognition of ADHD symptoms in Black women. ??Cultural Context in Care: Findings show Black women feel safer and better understood by Black female clinicians or culturally aware professionals, which Dr. Gibbs argues is essential for effective care. ?? Call to Action: Join the movement toward mental health equity! Dr. Gibbs calls on mental health professionals to advocate for inclusive research and culturally sensitive practices that address the unique experiences of Black women. Let’s continue building an informed, compassionate approach to ADHD care. #ADHD #bpa #bpatc2024 #BlackWomen #BlackMentalHealth #Psychiatry #Nairobi

??Speakers: Oluwatosin Adebiyi, MD, MPH, Lucy Ogbu-Nwobodo, MD, MS, MAS & Cameo J. ?? Transforming Mental Healthcare with the URiM Process Group: Insights from the Black Psychiatrists of America Transcultural Conference in Nairobi, Kenya ?? ?? 2024 Black Psychiatrists of America Transcultural Conference in Nairobi, Kenya ???? **Day 3, Session 4** ??This model is reimagining support for URiM (Underrepresented in Medicine) trainees, providing a vital, collective approach to healing. ?? Key Takeaways: ??Creating Culturally Affirming Spaces: By centering identity and shared experiences, URiM Process Groups offer a safe space for historically excluded trainees, particularly Black and marginalized groups, to heal and grow together. ??Institutional Commitment: This model isn’t just about intention—it calls on institutions to fund and protect this space, acknowledging that sustainable support for URiM trainees is essential. ??Strength in Community: Building resilience happens when we connect trainees with mentors and peers who understand the challenges, creating a supportive network that fosters genuine healing. ? Session Highlights: ??Addressing Marginalization: URiM Process Groups tackle unique identity-based stressors that URiM trainees face, reshaping how we think about mental health support. ??Breaking the Mold of Traditional Training: These groups provide a space for shared stories, reinforcing that our challenges don’t need to be faced alone. ??Embracing Intersectionality: Each identity brings its own experiences. These groups uplift trainees by recognizing the full spectrum of their identities, creating a culture of true inclusivity. ?? Call to Action: The URiM Process Group model shows that healing is most powerful when done together. Imagine the impact if more institutions embraced this approach! How can we bring this transformative model to our own settings? Let’s start a conversation on how to make collective healing a reality everywhere. ??? Share your thoughts below, and let’s work together to reimagine mental healthcare for all! #MentalHealth, #URiM #bpa #bpatc2024 #Psychiatrists

??Speakers: Mikki King Barker, DO & C Freeman, MD, MBA, FAPA ?? The Vanishing African American: Our Mental Health and Future?? ?? 2024 Black Psychiatrists of America Transcultural Conference in Nairobi, Kenya ???? **Day 3, Session 3** ?? Conference Highlights: ??Exploring how environmental hazards impact mental health and drive African Americans to leave cities like Los Angeles for safer, stable communities. ??Insight into the intersection of environmental racism and mental health disparities impacting Black communities. ??Climate Anxiety: The reality of living near toxic sites and climate zones. ??Recognizing the urgent need for culturally sensitive mental health services to support resilience in communities facing environmental and social adversity. Key Takeaways: ?? Run for office: Representation is critical! ?? Protect generational wealth and housing stability. ?? Climate resilience hubs: Creating safe spaces in our communities. ?? Financial literacy: Equip yourself with knowledge to protect assets and wealth for future generations. Calls to Action: ?? Share Your Story: How has climate change or environmental injustice impacted you or your community? ?? Get Involved: Advocate for mental health and climate resilience. Attend local meetings, volunteer, and consider joining community initiatives. ?? Support Cultural & Mental Health Services: Connect with local groups dedicated to culturally competent mental health care. ?? Are we doing enough to protect our communities? Drop a comment, share this post, and help drive the conversation! #bpa #bpatc2024 #MentalHealth #BlackMentalHealth #Environment #Climate

??Speakers: Ja'Nelle M. Blocker, MD, Lucy Ogbu-Nwobodo, MD, MS, MAS & Tiffani Bell Washington MD, MPH, FAPA, DipABOM, DipABLM ??? Redefining Depression Care: Integrative, Cultural, and Impactful ??? ?? 2024 Black Psychiatrists of America Transcultural Conference in Nairobi, Kenya ???? **Day 3, Session 2** Our speakers are breaking boundaries to transform depression care through integrative, culturally relevant practices. Imagine mental health care that resonates with the individual, respects cultural roots, and redefines healing. ???? ?? Thought-Provoking Highlights: ? What if food could heal the mind? Studies reveal that whole-food, anti-inflammatory diets can significantly lower depression symptoms. Could “food as medicine” become our first line of defense? ???? ? How can ancient practices shape modern psychiatry? From meditation to herbal remedies, culturally embedded practices have centuries of wisdom. When we blend ancestral healing with evidence-based medicine, are we tapping into the future of mental health care? ????♀??? ? Can mental health care be truly patient-led? Integrative psychiatry emphasizes patient involvement, where individuals take charge of their health journeys. Imagine a system that prioritizes the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—and empowers them to make choices that resonate personally and culturally. ?????? ?? Objectives: ??Reimagine mental health care through integrative practices for depression that go beyond medication. ??Explore the challenges and solutions for equitable, culturally relevant care in underserved communities. ??Collaborate on bringing these approaches into mainstream practice to improve access, trust, and outcomes. ?? Next Steps & Actions: ??Shift Mindsets: Help others see mental health beyond a clinical lens—share, educate, and build awareness about the role of diet, mindfulness, and ancestral practices. ??Advocate for Access: Culturally sensitive, integrative care should be the standard, not the exception. Support policies that bring these methods to all communities. ??Lead Change: Integrate these holistic approaches in your practice, prioritize patient-led care, and make mental health a sustainable journey for all. Let’s dare to envision a world where mental health care isn’t just treatment—it’s a journey of empowerment, understanding, and connection to one’s roots. ???? #bpa #bpatc2024 #IntegrativePsychiatry #MentalHealth #BlackMentalHealth #Psychiatrists