On October 4, 2024, I had the privilege of attending ARMHA-NJ’s Annual Conference, “Culture as Generational Medicine”. This experience was truly inspiring, broadening my understanding of the critical role culture plays in mental health treatment and the urgent need to address cultural incompetence in the mental health field. Keynote speakers Dr. Jennifer Mullan, Dr. Monique Swift, Hazeline Pilgrim, and Dr. Jesselly De La Cruz shared their insights and efforts in combating cultural incompetence, providing valuable perspectives on integrating cultural awareness into therapeutic practices. Additionally, my peers and I had the opportunity to network with psychologists, social workers, licensed therapists, and other professionals dedicated to mental health advocacy. Attending this conference reinforced the importance of cultural competence in clinical practice and the value of continuous learning through professional development opportunities. Engaging with like-minded individuals and professionals in the field deepened my motivation to contribute to more inclusive and effective mental health care.
– Maro Mikhaeil (PPOT Mentee)