In July 2023, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) hosted its inaugural MOORE Equity in Mental Health Youth Summit in response to the U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on Protecting Youth Mental Health. In collaboration with the Marion Barry Youth Leadership Institute, APA designed a youth-centered, one-day summit aimed at cultivating mental wellness among 150 young people of color in Washington, D.C. The event focused on increasing mental health awareness, empowering youth to advocate for their well-being, fostering peer support and engagement, and introducing attendees to early-career mental health professionals. Since its launch, the initiative has engaged more than 400 youth nationwide.
In April 2026, APA, in partnership with the National Latino Behavioral Health Association (NLBHA), will host the APA MOORE Equity in Mental Health Youth Summit and Community Mental Health Fair in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Championed by APA President Theresa Miskimen Rivera, this free, one-day event is designed to support youth mental wellness and is rooted in New Mexico’s diverse Latino, Indigenous, immigrant, and rural communities.
The morning Youth Summit will provide a safe and welcoming space for high school–aged youth to engage in open conversations about mental health and well-being. Sessions will focus on stress, anxiety, depression, and culturally responsive approaches to healing and resilience. In the afternoon, the Community Mental Health Fair will bring together local organizations, providers, and advocates to share information about available mental health and substance use resources. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about services, build connections, and access culturally responsive, up-to-date information.
The MOORE Equity in Mental Health Initiative is held annually in honor of Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month and highlights community-driven efforts to improve mental health outcomes. Through this initiative, APA and NLBHA aim to strengthen local mental health ecosystems and expand access to care for youth and families.
Want to learn more about this year’s summit?
For updates, sponsorship opportunities, or to get involved, email [email protected].
Mental Health Youth Summit 2025
Facilitators Included:
- Speak Up
- TYP Social Media Co.
- The University of Tennessee Health Science Center
- ChristianaCare
Mental Health Youth Summit 2024
Facilitators Included:
- Marketa M. Wills, M.D., M.B.A., FAPAm APA’s CEO/Medical Director
- MedStar WISE
- School Talk DC
- Zainab Okolo, Ed.D., LCMFT, Senior Vice President of Policy, Advocacy, and Government Relations, Jed Foundation
- Jay Barnett, D.H.A.
Mental Health Youth Summit 2023
Facilitators Included:
- Arthur Ashe Institute for Urban Health
- Shout Mouse Press Authors: Joseph Chuku,Najae Purvis,T'Asia Bates
- Jay Barnett, D.H.A.
- Vishal Madaan, M.D., APA’s Chief of Education, Deputy Medical
- Eric Williams, M.D.