Farha Abbasi, clinical assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Michigan State University, has been appointed to the American Psychiatric Association Foundation's Board of Directors.
The APA Foundation improves the lives of people and various communities, with its public education and innovative mental health programs.
Abbasi also was recently recognized by the Department of Health and Human Services as one of 15 impactful female faith leaders nationwide.
“Dr. Abbasi’s contributions as a board member will go a long way towards advancing our mission of a mentally healthy nation for all,” said Marketa Wills, chair of the APA Foundation Board and CEO and medical director of the APA. “Dr. Abbasi’s previous leadership makes her a terrific candidate to help steer our organization.”
In addition to clinical practice and academic research, Abbasi served on the APA’s Committee on Minority Mental Health from 2018-20. She currently serves as an Executive Committee Member of the World Psychiatric Association’s Section on Religion, Spirituality, and Psychiatry.
“As a SAMHSA Minority Fellow in 2008, I have seen the American Psychiatric Association Foundation evolve into one of the most effective national platforms to reflect and encapsulate the mental health needs of the people,” said Abbasi. “I am a big proponent of culturally competent care, working relentlessly to integrate mental health care that befits patients’ culture and faith needs in minoritized settings. My hope is to improve acceptance, affordability, and access to mental health care, and I am grateful to have found a team that really cares in the APA Foundation Board of Directors.”
To read more about Abbasi’s appointment, visit the American Psychiatric Association website.
This has been adapted from a press release from the American Psychiatric Association.