Improving Cultural Competency Across the Mental Healthcare Delivery Network - Project Summary/Abstract:
Improving Cultural Competency Across the Mental Healthcare Delivery Network.
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) is requesting an Agency for Healthcare Research and
Quality (AHRQ) Conference grant to support the convening of a Cultural Competency Symposium.
Through this symposium, APA aims to create a collaborative learning opportunity for mental health
clinicians to develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to provide culturally congruent mental
health treatment and care delivery within diverse communities. Aligned with AHRQ’s mission, this
symposium will offer a unique opportunity to assemble early career psychiatrists, trainees, students, and
key community stakeholders to share and disseminate research products, experiences, curricula, and
syllabi focused on cultural competency implementation. The proposed 2024 symposium will deliver
evidence-based engagement strategies and culturally relevant care frameworks through presentations
and panel discussions to support culturally competent mental health care delivery and practice.
APA aims to achieve the following through this symposium:
• Support mental health providers and clinicians in developing a foundational understanding of the
core tenets of cultural competency and health equity.
• Create a space for clinicians and community stakeholders to engage in collaborative learning
exchanges.
• Highlight the importance of trauma-informed care in culturally diverse communities.
• Reinforce the importance of culturally affirming mental health service delivery for sexual and
ethnic minority groups.