Washington, D.C. — The Society for the Study of Psychiatry and Culture has recognized American Psychiatric Association (APA) Publishing contributors Ranna Parekh, M.D., M.P.H., Cheryl S. Al-Mateen, M.D., Maria Jose Lisotto, M.D., and R. Dakota Carter, M.D., Ed.D. with the 2025 Creative Scholarship Award. The group is honored for their work as co-editors on the title “Cultural Psychiatry with Children, Adolescents, and Families” (2021).

The Society for the Study of Psychiatry and Culture is a nonprofit organization devoted to furthering research, clinical care, and education in cultural aspects of mental health and illness. Each year, the Society honors one group or person with the Creative Scholarship Award in recognition of a “significant creative contribution to the field of cultural psychiatry.”

“Cultural Psychiatry with Children, Adolescents, and Families” is a comprehensive text on the role of culture in the mental health assessment, diagnosis, and care of children and their families. From ethnicity and race to religious beliefs, elements of culture often influence the approach needed to effectively treat young people’s mental health. The special mental health needs of LGBTQ+ adolescents and the mental health effects of migration on children are discussed.

The co-editors are distinguished scholars and clinicians in addition to being experts on diversity. In the text, they underscore the importance of acknowledging intersectionality and remaining open-minded when dealing with aspects of culture. They apply history, theory, and evidence-based practice to the process of improving mental health in children and adolescents.

“We are honored to have been awarded the 2025 Creative Scholarship Award from the esteemed Society for the Study of Psychiatry and Culture for our APA Publishing 2021 text, ‘Cultural Psychiatry with Children, Adolescents, and Families.’ The text was a labor of love,” said Dr. Parekh. “Born from our individual and collective interests to best care for our patients and families, the editors hoped this book would provide answers while also inspiring readers to continue to learn and deepen their understanding of cultural psychiatry, social determinants of mental health, DSM 5’s Cultural Formulation and much more. Receiving this recognition from our colleagues who are experts in all these areas is particularly meaningful. We are grateful to APA Publishing for giving us this opportunity. Finally, we thank all of those who treat and care for children, adolescents and families with dignity and cultural humility.”

“Cultural Psychiatry with Children, Adolescents, and Families” is available for purchase as an eBook and in hard copy at the American Psychiatric Association Publishing website, appi.org.

American Psychiatric Association

The American Psychiatric Association, founded in 1844, is the oldest medical association in the country. The APA is also the largest psychiatric association in the world with more than 39,200 physician members specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and research of mental illnesses. APA's vision is to ensure access to quality psychiatric diagnosis and treatment. For more information, please visit www.psychiatry.org.