UN Science Summit to Host Workshop on Integrating Indigenous and Modern Mental Health Approaches

The United Nations General Assembly Science Summit is set to host a pioneering workshop that could reshape the landscape of mental health care globally. Titled "How Integrating Traditional, Indigenous and Modern Approaches Can Transform Mental Health," the event will bring together experts from diverse backgrounds to explore innovative solutions to the growing mental health crisis.

Scheduled for September 11, 2024, the workshop will be led by Dr. Anna Yusim, a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Yale University Medical Center and Co-Founder of the Yale Mental Health & Spirituality Program / Center. Dr. Yusim will be joined by a distinguished panel of seven experts, including indigenous leaders, medical professionals, and cultural advocates.

The workshop comes at a critical time when mental health challenges are reaching unprecedented levels worldwide. By focusing on the integration of traditional wisdom and modern medicine, the panel aims to develop more inclusive and effective approaches to mental wellness.

Among the notable panelists are Dr. Irma Leon Cortes, a traditional medicine woman with indigenous roots, and Dr. Steven Hassan, a recognized expert on cults and undue influence. The panel also includes Giselle World, a musician advocating for indigenous rights, and Randy Anoatubby, Tribal Relations Executive Director for Sovereign Healers.

Dr. Lala Forrest, a resident psychiatrist at Yale and citizen of the Pit River Nation, will contribute insights on blending traditional healing practices with modern medicine. Michael Torres, a member of the Nación Soberana Borikén Herencia Tiano Tribe, and Patrick Anderson, a Tlingit Elder, will share their cultural knowledge and perspectives.

The workshop will address the critical intersection of Indigenous mental health and contemporary treatment modalities. Participants will engage in discussions aimed at creating a more accessible and inclusive framework for mental health care that respects and incorporates traditional practices.

Key objectives of the workshop include highlighting the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with modern medical approaches, supporting the mental health of Indigenous communities, and working towards a more just and inclusive world with culturally responsive mental healthcare for all.

Attendees can expect insightful presentations, interactive discussions on collaborative frameworks, and networking opportunities with leaders in mental health advocacy. The event will be held in a hybrid format, allowing for both in-person and virtual participation.

The in-person component will take place at The Crafty Lounge in New York City, offering attendees the chance to engage in direct conversations and networking over dinner. Virtual participants will have the opportunity to join the discussions and presentations online.

This workshop represents a significant step towards recognizing the value of diverse approaches to mental health care. By bringing together experts from various disciplines and cultural backgrounds, the UN Science Summit is fostering a dialogue that could lead to more effective, culturally sensitive mental health interventions worldwide.

As global mental health challenges continue to evolve, initiatives like this workshop play a crucial role in developing comprehensive solutions. The integration of traditional wisdom with modern scientific approaches has the potential to create more resilient and adaptable mental health care systems that can better serve diverse populations.

Interested parties can learn more about the workshop and register for the event at https://indigenous-mentalhealth.eventbrite.com/. This groundbreaking session promises to be a pivotal moment in the ongoing effort to improve mental health care on a global scale.