APA kicks off first in-person meeting since 2019

NEW ORLEANS – For the first time in 3 years, the American Psychiatric Association will host its annual meeting in person, May 21 to 25 in New Orleans, with social determinants of mental health as the conference theme.

“In my 30 years here as a member of APA this is truly the beginning of a very changed annual meeting where we cater to all the different communities who want to look at substance abuse disorders,” Saul Levin, MD, MPA, CEO of the APA, said during a press conference where association leadership previewed the meeting.

APA’s 2022 conference will include more than 300 live presentations and more than 800 posters. Presentations will focus on new treatment options for depression, effects of social justice on mental health, as well as caring for those with intellectual disabilities.

Healio will provide live meeting coverage throughout the duration of the conference.

“Mental health is very different than it was 20 or 30 years ago,” Levin said during the press conference. “We have major breakthroughs coming into psychiatry. We see it every day, the way we look at patients and the way the patients are coming in for treatment.”

Focusing on this year’s theme, newly appointed APA President Vivian Pender, MD, gave some examples on social determinants that play a role in the everyday life.

“Mental health has clearly become part of the national conversation,” Pender said. “Social determinants include where you live, the air you breathe, how you’re educated, exposure to violence and impacts of racism. These social determinants have become relevant to mental health.”