2024 Black Psychiatrist of America Transcultural Conference: Bridging Cultures and Centering Black Mental Health Reflection
As part of PRMS' ongoing commitment to behavioral health, we invited Dr. Oluwatosin Adebiyi, MD, MPH, a University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Psychiatry Resident and incoming Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Public Track Fellow, to be featured as a guest blogger this month. Dr. Adebiyi reflects on her experience attending and presenting at the 2024 Black Psychiatrists of America (BPA) Transcultural Conference in Nairobi, Kenya, which PRMS was honored to support.
Introduction: Where Art, Medicine, and Mental Health Intersect
(L-R) Oluwatosin Adebiyi, MD, MPH; Cameo Johnson, LCSW; & Lucy Ogbu-Nwobodo, MD, MS, MAS.
As a voice-over artist, writer, and psychiatry resident, I've always believed in the power of storytelling and creative expression to break down barriers in mental healthcare. My journey into psychiatry stems from a deep conviction that we must address the complex mental health needs of young people through belonging-centered, responsive systems of care. Last November, I had the extraordinary opportunity to present at the Black Psychiatrists of America (BPA) Transcultural Conference in Nairobi, Kenya, thanks to PRMS sponsorship—an experience that profoundly deepened my understanding of global mental health and the critical importance of centering Black mental health perspectives.
A Transformative Conference Experience
The conference theme, "The Power of Us: Collective Action for Black Mental Health Across the Diaspora," could not have been more timely. Over four days at the beautiful Nairobi Serena Hotel, I participated in sessions that challenged Western-centric approaches to psychiatry and emphasized the integration of traditional healing practices with modern mental healthcare. I had the privilege of presenting my research on "A URiM Process Group as a Model for Collective Healing and Transformative Mental Healthcare," alongside my decorated mentor Dr. Lucy Ogbu-Nwobodo, MD, and Cameo Johnson, LCSW. Learn more about our BPA URiM Process Group Presentation here.
One of the most enlightening sessions was Dr. Stephanie Stewart's presentation on "African and Diasporic Indigenous Psychedelic and Community Wisdom," which explored traditional healing practices that have sustained communities for generations. This session, along with our visit to the Kenya Wellness and Children's Wellness Center—a women-led organization working against gender-based violence—highlighted how mental health cannot be truly understood without acknowledging deep cultural roots and ancestral knowledge.
The Power of Intergenerational Learning
Perhaps the most transformative aspect of the conference was witnessing intergenerational exchanges between early, mid, and late-career mental health professionals. These conversations challenged me to think beyond individual symptom reduction toward collective, multisystemic approaches to healing. I was particularly struck by Dr. Yolanda Fountain Hardy's session on "Restorative Fun! Powerful Play Therapy Activities for Psychiatrist Wellness," which introduced play as a meditative practice—a reminder that healing must include joy and connection.
Learning about Nairobi's mental health system of care provided crucial insights into how different societies approach mental wellness. The Kenyan emphasis on community-based interventions and the integration of traditional healers alongside psychiatric professionals offered a compelling model for responsive care.
Inspiring the Next Generation and Building the Village
The conference reinforced my commitment to supporting Black and Indigenous students interested in STEM careers. As one of the younger attendees, I was struck by how mentorship and sponsorship—like the PRMS grant that made my attendance possible—are crucial for professional development and representation in our field. The networking opportunities allowed me to connect with psychiatrists across the diaspora, creating invaluable mentorship relationships that will shape my approach to child and adolescent psychiatry.
Meeting early-career professionals and learning from seasoned leaders reminded me that we need more diverse voices in psychiatry—not just for representation, but because different historical perspectives bring essential insights into healing that our field desperately needs. The URiM Process Group model I presented exemplifies this commitment to collective healing and empowerment among trainees of color.
Moving Forward with Purpose
As I reflect on my time in Kenya, I'm reminded that psychiatry at its best is about creating belonging and connection across cultures, generations, and communities. The warmth and wisdom I encountered—from the bustling streets of Nairobi to the intimate conference sessions—reinforced my belief that mental health care delivery must be rooted in cultural consciousness and community.
This experience has strengthened my commitment to using media and digital tools to increase access to mental health care and decrease stigma, particularly for young people of the diaspora. As I transition into my fellowship focused on public mental health, I carry with me the lessons learned from this incredible gathering: that healing is fundamentally about connection, that traditional wisdom must inform modern practice, and that supporting the next generation of mental health professionals is essential for humanity.
The 2024 BPA Transcultural Conference was more than an educational experience—it was a reminder that our work as psychiatrists is about building bridges across cultures and creating systems of care that honor the full humanity of those we serve.
Learn more about the BPA, founded in 1969, and future Transcultural Conferences, here.
To learn more about the superior psychiatry-specific insurance program and comprehensive services offered by PRMS, click here.