Presenter: Andres J. Pumariega, MD, Professor and Chair, Department of Psychiatry, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University & Cooper Health System

The United States faces a rapidly changing demographic and cultural landscape, with its pediatric population becoming increasingly multiracial and multicultural, and becoming a plurality by 2019. In consequence, cultural and racial factors relating to development, mental illness and emotional disturbances in children and youth deserve closer attention and consideration. This presentation will outline the rationale for culturally informed mental health care, the conceptual basis and evidence-base for this approach, and specific clinical applications of the principles of cultural competence that will enable child and adolescent mental health clinicians to better serve diverse children, adolescents, and their families. It will draw heavily from the AACAP Practice Parameter for Culturally Competence in Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Practice as well as subsequent findings in the literature. Case illustrations will be used to highlight significant issues in practice.

Click here to learn more