News and Notes for APA District Branches/State Associations
October 2021
 
This monthly newsletter is prepared by the APA’s Communications Team as a benefit for our District Branches and State Associations. Feel free to share the articles below in your own newsletter. If you have any questions, please contact James Carty at jcarty@psych.org or 202-609-7077.
 
Want to keep up with APA in between newsletters? Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, (@APAPsychiatric), Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest news and updates.
 
What’s New at the APA

• APA released a statement commemorating the 20 year anniversary of the terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001. The statement recognizes all of the first responders that put themselves in harm’s way to rescue people on 9/11, and offered support and resources for all survivors. You can read the full statement here.
• APA joined with 18 other organizations to announce their support for the Collaborate in an Orderly and Cohesive Manner (COCM) Act, a bill that would improve access to evidence-based mental health and substance use care by supporting and investing in the implementation of the Collaborative Care Model in primary care offices. You can read the full joint statement and learn more about the collaborative care model here. 
• APA offered tips for coping with and better understanding prolonged grief disorder. The confluence of ongoing crises in America, such as COVID-19, the situation in Afghanistan, natural disasters and gun violence may make Americans more susceptible to prolonged grief. Prolonged grief disorder is the newest disorder to be added to the DSM. You can read more and view an infographic about prolonged grief disorder here.

 
Key Dates and Observances
APA Communications staff maintains a calendar of key dates, observances and events at APA and in the world of mental health in general. The calendar is kept up to date a few months in advance. You can view the calendar and keep track of important mental health dates and observances here.
 
Briefs for Your Newsletter
 
Educational Opportunities:
 
Ask an App Advisor: Discussion Forum
October 12, 3:00 p.m. ET
The 7th "Ask an App Advisor" web event is scheduled for October 12th @ 3:00pm ET. During this event, you are invited to join APA's App Advisor group for a live Q&A and discussion on mental health apps.
Information and registration are here: https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/mental-health-apps
 
The Mental Health Services Conference | Registration Now Open!
October 14 - 15, 2021 | Virtual
The Mental Health Services Conference (MHSC), will be held virtually this October 14 to 15 on the theme “Sociopolitical Determinants: Practice, Policy and Implementation.” The purpose of the Mental Health Services Conference will be to highlight educational programs and innovations in clinical services designed to ensure equal access to high-quality mental health care for all populations regardless of race/ethnicity, age, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic status, or geographical background.
 
New Speakers Announced! New information is available on the program including Keynote details from Substance Use and Administrator of SAMHSA, Dr. Miriam Delphin-Rittmon. View the full program and details below: https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/meetings/the-mental-health-services-conference
 
New Video from Dr. Sarah Vinson! Dr. Sarah Vinson: What to expect at APA's 2021 Mental Health Services Conference: Hear from the Chair of the Scientific Program Committee, Sarah Vinson, M.D. on this year's theme, "Sociopolitical Determinants: Practice, Policy and Implementation" and what you can expect and look forward to at the upcoming 2021 Mental Health Services Conference.
 
Making a Difference in a Syndemic: Key Sessions at the Mental Health Services Conference: Join Dr. Benjamin Druss for two sessions at the Mental Health Services Conference that will empower clinicians to help take on challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic, effects of climate change, and the reckoning with our country’s legacy of systemic racism and inequality.
 
More information:
https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/meetings/the-mental-health-services-conference
 
October Course of the Month – Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Suicidal Behavior
Despite advances in the treatment of many psychiatric conditions, death rates from suicide continue to rise. Research has shown that Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT) is an effective method for reducing suicide attempts. This course will briefly review research on CBT for treating suicidal patients, as well as demonstrate central features of CBT methods for suicide risk.
Click here to access the Course of the Month and sign up for updates about this free member benefit.
 
Mental Health Professionals Guide to Their Role in the Criminal Justice System
This pocket book guide is intended as a resource for all mental health professionals on how they can better support individuals with mental illness who unfortunately become entangled in the criminal justice system. We want this book to be a guide on how we can reclaim our community members and provide support no matter where they might find themselves in the system. 
 
Related: Free resources around Justice from the APA Foundation: 
https://apafdn.org/Impact/Justice/Judges-and-Psychiatrists-Leadership-Initiative/Free-Resources

Other Items for your Newsletter:
Coming in March: DSM-5-TR
After years of careful development, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR), is nearing publication. With contributions from over 200 subject matter experts, this updated volume is the most comprehensive, current, and critical resource for psychiatrists, researchers, and trainees. DSM-5-TR includes fully revised text and references, updated diagnostic criteria, and ICD-10-CM codes since DSM-5 was published in 2013. Don’t miss out on having the latest diagnostic information at your fingertips.
Learn More and Pre-Order Now
 
Call for Nominations: Chester M. Pierce Human Rights Award
APA is seeking nominations for the 2022 Chester M. Pierce Human Rights Award.  This award recognizes the extraordinary efforts of individuals and organizations to promote the human rights of populations with mental health needs by bringing attention to their work. Letters of nomination and supporting materials may be submitted to Omar Davis (odavis@psych.org) by Monday, October 9, 2021.
 
Join AMNet: An Addiction Medicine Practice-Based Research Network
Help drive quality improvement in addiction medicine and create a platform for future research. Led by APA, the American Society of Addiction Medicine, Friends Research Institute, and the National Institute on Drug Abuse, AMNet is an addiction medicine practice-based research network. By joining, you’ll receive free access to PsychPRO, APA’s patient portal, to generate patient-reported outcomes data. Virtually engage with your patients, track their progress, inform quality improvement efforts, and create reports for your stakeholders. You’ll also receive a $1,000 honorarium; a tablet computer; and free CME courses. 
https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/registry/amnet

Roadmap to Psychiatric Residency Guide (New Edition)
View the newly updated guide for medical students. Not only are psychiatrists uniquely trained to consider the patient from a "whole person" perspective, but the field also includes a wide range of practice settings and diverse opportunities for sub-specialization.
    
What Is APA Doing in the Nation's Capital for Your Patients and Practice?
APA's Department of Government Relations has released its latest update on APA's advocacy activities regarding policies and regulations that affect your patients and profession.
https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/advocacy/september-2021-advocacy-update