Practicing Self-Compassion

• Healthy living for mental well-being, Patients and Families

At the start of the year, many people set resolutions and intentions for enhancing their emotional well-being. One tool that can help improve psychological well-being is the practice of self-compassion. Many people find themselves being quite critical towards themselves. Some people believe that they are not good enough and that they don’t deserve compassion. In the long term, excessive self-criticism may contribute to depleting one’s emotional reservoir.

Mental Health Pathfinders: Dr. Mary H. Roessel on the Mental Health of Indigenous Peoples

In honor of National Native American Heritage Month, Dr. Mary Hasbah Roessel joins us to discuss her experiences and insights into the mental health care needs of Indigenous communities, particularly focusing on the Navajo culture.

How Do Companion Animals and Therapy Animals Support Mental Well-being?

• Healthy living for mental well-being, Patients and Families, Treatment

Companion animals are increasingly being used to support mental wellbeing and to augment mental health treatment. A new book from APA Publishing, The Role of Companion Animals in the Treatment of Mental Disorders, reviews recent research and highlights the variety of ways mental health professionals are working with companion animals to support treatment and promote mental health.

New Poll Finds the Public Perceives Psychiatry as Innovative, But Show Caution on Using New Treatments

• Patients and Families, Public awareness, Technology, Treatment

In recent years, the field of psychiatry has seen many new developments and innovations in diagnosis and treatment, and that is reflected in public perception. The latest APA Healthy Minds Poll, a national public opinion poll, finds that almost three-fourths of Americans agree with the statement: “Psychiatry is an innovative field, and new diagnostic tools and treatments are being developed that will help people’s mental health.”

What Is Forest Bathing and How Does it Benefit Mental and Physical Health?

• Healthy living for mental well-being, Patients and Families

For many people, a walk in the forest has long been a relaxing and rejuvenating escape from daily stresses. There is growing medical evidence that immersing oneself in a forest environment can have significant physical and mental health benefits.

Elevating Bebe Moore Campbell's Legacy in 2023: APA's Dynamic Approach to National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

• Diverse populations, Patients and Families, Suicide and self-harm, Teens and young adults

In July American Psychiatric Association (APA) embarked on its annual effort to honor of the late renowned author and mental health advocate, Bebe Moore Campbell. Established by Congress in 2008, Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month is a call to action and reminder of the mental health inequities affecting communities, and in particular, young people of color. This month-long recognition is especially important considering the prevalent mental health inequities fac

Advocacy in Action: An Update on Maternal Mental Health

• Diversity News and Updates

As a core component of APA’s advocacy strategy, promoting federal legislation that improves health and mental health outcomes for minority and underserved populations is central to combating the current lack of equitable healthcare available to all Americans.

Top Organizations Encourage Appeals Court to Rule Against Trump Administration, End Detention of Migrant Children

On behalf of a coalition of the nation’s leading organizations dedicated to the care, health, education, well-being, and welfare of children and families, Arent Fox LLP filed an amicus brief in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in support of the Plaintiff in Jenny Lisette Flores, et al., v. William Barr, Attorney General of the United States, et al. Nearly thirty organizations steadfastly oppose the Trump Administration’s new regulations that overturn protections guaranteed to immi

Attend Fellow Sessions

The APA is proud to present a list of the sessions where Fellows will be presenting this year at the Annual Meeting. We hope you can support each other and learn from the amazing work and research Fellows are engaged in. There is an opportunity to hear from a fellow each day of the conference.

Climate Change-Driven Mental Health Inequities

In the inaugural episode, our expert panelists touch on the difference between resilience and resistance, learning from ancestral indigenous knowledge and observation, tolerating uncertainty and eco-anxiety as clinicians, consumerism, centering equity into the climate crisis and more. Join us as we gain important insight from Dr. Robin Cooper, Dr. Carissa Caban-Aleman, Dr. Joe Neidhardt, and Dr. Jessica Isom.

Mental Health Equity Champion Spotlight: Mary Hasbah Roessel, M.D.

• APA Leadership, Diverse populations, Women

Welcome to Women’s History Month. This month, we highlight a phenomenal mental health equity champion, Mary Hasbah Roessel, M.D. Dr. Roessel is a Navajo psychiatrist and a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association (APA). She shares her experience on how to infuse cultural considerations of Indigenous peoples into psychiatric treatment.

Personal Perspectives on Care and Recovery

Ken Duckworth, M.D., chief medical officer, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) leads a deep and personal discussion with individuals who have years of lived experience with serious mental illness (SMI).