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.