Southern California PSYCHIATRIST – Volume 73, Number 6 – February 2025

Table of Contents
President’s Column: Honoring Black History Month Amidst Recovery (+Election Edition) by Galya Rees, MD
Letter from the Guest Editor by Ruqayyah Malik, MD
Race and Homelessness in Los Angeles by Janine Roach, MD
Supporting The Altadena Community Amidst Tragedy by Ola Egu, MS4
Breaking Barriers, Saving Lives: Honoring Firefighters of Color and Their Mental Health Needs by Rubi Luna Ongaro, MD
Childhood Development Theories: Contextualizing African American and Minoritized Youth by Austin Nguy, MD
Opinions on Loneliness Among Black/African Individuals in America by Jessica Osanyinpeju, MS3
Doctoring While Black by Ruqayyah Malik, MD
Increasing Member Diversity in APA Councils – Better Than “Who You Know” by Roderick Shaner, MD
New SCPS Members Spotlight
Joel Yager, MD (1941-2024)
SCPS Election 2025 – Candidate Statements
Classified Ad

President’s Column: Honoring Black History Month Amidst Recovery (+Election Edition)
by Galya Rees, MD
Dear SCPS Members,
This past month has been one of the most challenging we’ve faced as a community. The fires that swept through Southern California left a devastating impact, and I know that many of you have been affected. Some have lost their homes, places of work, and cherished community spaces, while others have been supporting loved ones facing loss. My heart is with each and every one of you.
In the midst of all this, I want to say: You are not alone. SCPS is here to support you and one another in whatever way we can. Whether it’s practical resources, a listening ear, or advocating for the needs of our profession and our patients, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
This February, as we recognize Black History Month, SCPS continues its tradition of dedicating this newsletter to topics related to diversity, equity and inclusion in mental health. I’d like to extend my gratitude to Dr. Ruqayyah Malik for serving as the guest editor of this month’s issue and to the Diversity and Culture Committee for their contributions.
This issue is especially relevant as we take the first steps toward recovery from the fires and as we navigate the uncertainties of a new administration. As with so many natural disasters, the recent fires have disproportionately affected marginalized communities. A recent UCLA study, published in the Los Angeles Times, highlights that Altadena’s Black residents were hit hardest by the Eaton Fire. The fire devastated Black neighborhoods that had survived for decades despite racial discrimination and gentrification, and now, these families face greater barriers to rebuilding their homes and lives. (Read the full article here).
To add to this, one of the new administration’s first executive orders—a freeze on DEI funding, along with other recent orders, has created additional anxiety for academic psychiatrists, VA psychiatrists, and many psychiatrists working with marginalized communities, LGBTQ+, and undocumented patients. SCPS will be representing you and your patients, working with the California State Association of Psychiatrist (CSAP) and American Psychiatric Association (APA) to assess these orders and determine our response.
SCPS Fire Response: Supporting Our Members
SCPS has been actively working to assess and address the needs of our members affected by the fires. The spectrum of impact is vast—some lost their homes entirely, while others sustained damage that will take months to repair. Beyond homes, members have lost offices, schools, places of worship, and beloved local spaces that made up the fabric of daily life. Many were evacuated, while others are just now returning home, grappling with the reality of what has been lost.
The fires were terrifying—not just because of their destruction but because of how long they lasted. The relentless news coverage, the blame, the fear of air pollution and toxic exposure—it all took a toll. This is a collective trauma, one that affects not just our patients but all of us.
I am immensely grateful to Dr. Danielle Chang and the SCPS Disaster Response committee for helping guide our efforts in supporting members, patients (especially those with severe mental illness), and first responders. Our immediate priorities have included:
- Outreach to members directly affected.
- Providing disaster-related resources, see Disaster Mental Health Relief Committee.
- Launching a survey to assess the needs of our members. SCPS Fire Impact Survey
- Hosting a listening session, facilitated by Drs. Anita Red and Danielle Chang, and organized by the Disaster Response Committee.
- Strengthening our psychiatric community, which can be vital during disasters and has the potential to offer psychiatrist-to-psychiatrist support, such as practice support, volunteer opportunities, and other disaster-related resources.
We have also been in conversation with APA leadership, Area 6 leadership, and other District Branches who have offered support. Learning from the experiences of colleagues in areas that have endured similar disasters, we recognize that recovery will be a long process. The mental health impact of this trauma may extend for years. We also know that, in the immediate aftermath of a disaster, essential psychiatric care—such as access to long-acting injectables and methadone—can sometimes be overlooked. SCPS will continue to advocate for these needs.
If you have been impacted by the fires or have ideas on how SCPS, Area 6, or the APA can offer support, please complete our brief. Your input is invaluable as we work to provide meaningful assistance. SCPS Fire Impact Survey
Looking Ahead
As we move forward, I encourage you all to stay connected. One opportunity to do so is at the upcoming APA Annual Meeting in May. SCPS will be co-hosting a reception with PRMS on May 19 at 4 p.m. at Fleming’s Steakhouse. I truly hope to see many of you there—it will be a much-needed time to come together as a community. Please RSVP as soon as possible if you plan to attend via the email invitation that was sent to you. Please do not forward the invitation to others at this time.
Early registration for the APA conference ends soon, so if you’re planning to attend, be sure to register: Register for the APA Annual Meeting
2025 began with immense challenges, but I remain hopeful that the months ahead will bring healing, resilience, and new opportunities to support one another.
Please read the candidate statements that are included in this newsletter. And don’t forget to vote.
Finally – Please take care of yourselves and each other. And if there’s anything I or SCPS can do for you, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Warmly,
Galya Rees

Letter From the Guest Editor
by Ruqayyah Malik, MD – SCPS Minority and Underrepresented Groups Representative and Diversity and Culture Committee Chair
In honor of Black History Month, the Southern California Psychiatric Society dedicates its February newsletter to the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion in mental health. This issue contains a variety of articles that we hope are informative, enlightening and uplifting to our membership. Jessica Osanyinpeju’s (MS3) article is thought provoking in its contextualization of the loneliness epidemic and how it specifically impacts the Black community which often experiences intersectional forms of discrimination and racism. Ola Egu’s (MS4) article spotlights the historically Black Altadena community and the unique barriers they face as they recover from the devastating LA fires. Dr. Shaner’s article is sharp and bold in highlighting one of the major shortcomings in the recruitment process for APA Councils as well as the importance of having diverse voices and representation on the APA Councils. Dr. Luna’s article touches on an important aspect of the LA fires: the mental health impact on the frontline firefighters, especially incarcerated firefighters who are risking their lives and have so few protections and benefits in return. Dr. Roach’s article highlights the root causes of homelessness in Los Angeles and how it disproportionately affects our seriously mentally ill patient population as well as the Black community due to years of structural racism. Dr. Nguy’s article discussed the importance of cultural humility when taking care of our most vulnerable minoritized child and adolescent patient population. SCPS wishes you a Happy Black History Month and our hearts are with those impacted by the devastating Los Angeles fires.

Race and Homelessness in Los Angeles
by Janine Roach, MD
Black History Month is a time we must reckon with the ways in which structural racism has impacted our society today. The issue of homelessness/houselessness in Los Angeles is deeply rooted in systemic inequities, and it is important for us to understand these injustices in order to fully appreciate how Los Angeles became the homeless capital of the nation.
Currently there are over 75,000 unhoused people in Los Angeles. 24% percent are living with serious mental illness and 27% percent of unhoused people have a substance use disorder. 31% of unhoused people identify as Black, though census data shows Black people comprise only 9% of the population in LA County. Statistics like these are striking, but to truly make meaningful change we need to understand how these inequities developed. Government policies and other structural factors created our current situation.
Beginning in the 1890s, real estate agents began to use restrictive covenants, which are clauses written into the deeds of homes stating that people of certain races or religions could not own the property. This often led to white-only neighborhoods, while prohibiting people of other races from purchasing homes and developing the generational wealth that comes with homeownership. By 1940, 80% of homes in Los Angeles contained restrictive covenants barring Black families from living in them. Despite the California Fair Employment and Housing Act of 1959, this practice continued on for many years; it wasn’t until January 1, 2022 that AB1466 was passed into law to have this language removed from housing records in California.
In 1945 the California Community Redevelopment Act was passed. This allowed the government to evict Black homeowners and confiscate Black owned properties if they were considered to be overcrowded or “blighted.” Numerous people lost their homes without appropriate compensation. These homes and businesses were demolished and the land was used to build freeways (such as the 10 and 210 freeways) and parks in the city. Black people were then restricted to buying in only a few areas of Los Angeles, where housing became in high demand and rents rose to unaffordable levels. Zoning laws by the city prevented multi-family housing in these areas. Such laws also listed Black neighborhoods as industrial areas and zoned them for brothels and liquor stores. Banks then stated that the housing in these areas was a liability, and used this as a reason to deny mortgages to Black people and other “inharmonious racial groups” in a practice known as redlining. This not only created restrictions on where Black people could live, but prevented them from obtaining mortgages to purchase a home.
Real estate agents also played a role in such segregation. Even after redlining practices were stopped, in the Pasadena area real estate agents only showed Black clients properties west of Lake Avenue, and white clients properties east of Lake Avenue, which led to the development of Black communities such as Altadena, which was recently devastated by wildfires. Over 50 years later, the Black community and other minoritized groups were targeted for sub-prime loans in the 2000s in a practice known as “reverse redlining.” During the sub-prime loan housing crisis of 2008, Black and Latinx people were twice as likely to foreclose on their homes. In 1910, 36% of Black people in LA and Orange County owned homes. In 2021, that number is down to 34%.
Deinstitutionalization of people with mental illness also contributed to homelessness in Los Angeles. This began in California in 1957 with the Short Doyle Act, with the idea that people would reintegrate into the community with family members or live in board and care facilities; however many without social supports became unhoused. Community based services were limited well into the 1970s, and during this time state and federal funds were frozen or dried up. The Lanterman-Petris-Short (LPS Act) was passed in 1967, which also led to the discharge of state hospital patients, as the duration of involuntary detention became limited. More people with serious mental illness (SMI) became unhoused, and due to fears about having people with SMI in their neighborhoods, zoning laws for residential facilities became more strict. Law enforcement became tasked with determining who met LPS criteria, and as mental health facilities were generally full, people were incarcerated as “mercy bookings” or “compassionate arrests.” People of color were disproportionately affected, especially as the “war on drugs” and over-policing grew more rampant. This process of effectively criminalizing mental illness and homelessness, only perpetuates the cycle of being unhoused.
Disproportionately high arrest rates (27%) and high incarceration rates (29%) of Black people in Los Angeles (who make up 9% of the population) led to a legal record of incarceration. Increased surveillance in communities of color, inequitable sentencing laws, and numerous other factors serve to maintain this imbalance. Prior arrest records decrease the chances of people getting employment or housing, as they can be found in background checks as well as tenant screenings. The arrest of the primary earner in a household places the entire family at risk of becoming unhoused. As we are all aware, affordable housing is very limited in Los Angeles. Discrimination in job hiring practices, lack of educational opportunities, lack of generational wealth (often gained through home ownership), and economic instability has led to cycles of poverty within certain communities.
Homelessness/houselessness is a layered and complex topic that can hardly be simplified into a single article. Listed below are recommended books and reports to expand our understanding of structural violence and how it plays a role in our lives today. Learning our community’s history is essential to coming to terms with the injustices of the past and understanding why they persist today. This February during Black History Month, we should take a look at our collective responsibility to acknowledge past harms, recognize privilege where it exists, and understand how we can begin to repair the inequities in our society.
Resources and References (PDFs linked below)
Rothstein, Richard (2018). The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America. New York ; London, Liveright Publishing Corporation, a division of W.W. Norton & Company, 2017
Alexander, M. (2011). The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness. New York, NY: New Press.
Desmond, M. (2016). Evicted: Poverty and profit in the American city. Crown Publishers/ Random House
Sheely K, Katz A, Klein A, Richards J, Verri F, Vestal M, Yaroslovsky Z. THE MAKING OF A CRISIS: A HISTORY OF HOMELESSNESS IN LOS ANGELES. UCLA Luskin Center for Policy and History. January 2021.
California Office of the Attorney General. California Reparations Reports Chapter 5: Housing Segregation June 2023.
Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority. LAHSA Report and Recommendations of Ad Hoc Committee on Black People Experiencing Homelessness. December 2018
LA Housing Services Authority Homeless Count Data. Accessed January 17, 2025
Altadena Heritage https://altadenaheritage.org/racial-change-over-time/ Accessed January 17, 2025
Altadena’s Black residents disproportionately hit by Eaton Fire, UCLA study says. Los Angeles Times. January 28, 2025

Supporting The Altadena Community Amidst Tragedy
by Ola Egu, MS4 – University of Washington School of Medicine
The tragic fires that have blazed over Los Angeles in the last few weeks have been detrimental for residents in the affected communities. These residents have not only lost their homes, but also their communities, their schools, their memories, their piece of generational wealth, and so much more unmeasurable loss. Although the fires have been devastating for multiple communities in Los Angeles, it is important to highlight the effects on the historically Black community of Altadena. The residents not only lost their homes, but also the rich culture, history, and community that was cultivated as Black families found a safe haven to settle in.
The Altadena community is an area bordered by the foothills of the San Gabriel mountains and the city of Pasadena and has long been a safe haven for Black families. The initial movement of Black families to the West began in the early 1900s, with a prominent increase in migration during the Civil Rights movement, which had sparked changes to foster more integration and allowed for more Black families to access home ownership. Unfortunately, redlining laws and the demolition of homes due to reconstruction efforts had restricted Black families from home ownership in nearby areas, such as Pasadena, and thus Altadena was a promising area to settle in. Black home ownership in the Altadena community had continued to boom over the years, with 81% of Black residents owning their homes by 2023, which is nearly double the national average. In addition to the access to home ownership, Altadena has fostered a community for Black residents to thrive and has been home to famous creatives such as author Octavia Butler, artist Charles W White, Black Panther Party leader Eldridge Cleaver, and actor Sidney Poitier, the first Black man to win an Academy award. As more Black families migrated into the area over the years, this prompted for “white flight” in the community, with the majority of White residents leaving as the community became more integrated. The result of the “white flight” was a predominantly minority community, with Altadena still being one of the most integrated communities in Southern California.
The Altadena community has been particularly affected by the Eaton fire, which began on the evening of January 7, 2025 and tragically burned through approximately 14,000 acres of land. As a result of the catastrophic effects of the Eaton fire, the residents not only experience the trauma of escaping the fires and witnessing the aftermaths of the destruction, the community now faces the threat to the generational wealth it has built. The Eaton fire has destroyed over 7,000 structures, including schools, Black businesses, and the longstanding homes, often passed down over the generations. This threat to the generational wealth of the Black residents is tragic, given the racial wealth gap that already exists due to the history of racially restrictive housing policies such as redlining, deed restrictions, and other acts of discrimination.
Fortunately, the Eaton fire is now 99% contained and the Altadena community has begun efforts to rebuild. Although the community is no longer actively burning, the accrued losses that have ensued from the Eaton fire are likely to be traumatic for the community, with the effects on their mental health likely to linger on during the rebuilding phase and perhaps beyond. The loss of family members, property, and memories must be devastating for those affected and thus these residents may experience resulting grief, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic responses as the effects of the fire live on. There is an added layer of vulnerability and trauma that predisposes the Altadena community to mental health effects, given baseline racial inequities that exist, along with loss of generational wealth that will not be easily rebuilt and the loss of security that this safe haven historically provided. The potential loss of the sense of belonging that this community fostered may lead to feelings of isolation in an already trying time. Families that have been rooted in the community for generations may now be displaced, which would be immensely stressful and anxiety-provoking, likely leaving negative implications for their mental health. All of these effects are important to consider when supporting the Altadena community, which would also likely benefit from mental health resources in addition to other forms of disaster relief.
Fortunately, resources such as the Altadena Disaster Discovery Center have been created to help address the disparity and offer a variety of resources across different departments, such as the Department of Mental Health. Other sources of support have come from resident-launched GoFundMe campaigns and national organizations such as the NAACP, which has offered protections for some of the Black homeowners affected by developers seeking profit during this vulnerable time. It is important to also note the high costs associated with repair and thus the mobilization of resources and funds is paramount to assist the Altadena community with rebuilding their homes and businesses, along with preserving the rich Black culture that has existed there for years. It is the hope that with continued support and resources, the Altadena community will have a successful recovery, rebuild as much as possible, preserve the rich culture that exists, and maintain wellness during this trying time.
References
1. Altadena Heritage. Preserve What We Love.
https://altadenaheritage.org/preserve-what-we-love/
2. CAL FIRE. Eaton Fire. https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2025/1/7/eaton-fire
3. Czachor, E. M. (2025, January 27). Eaton Fire devastates historic Black community: “A
history book just lit on fire.” CBS News.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/eaton-fire-devastates-altadena-historic-black-community-history-book-lit-on-fire/
4. Oladipo, G. (2025, January 18). For Black families in Altadena, history and community
burned alongside homes. The Guardian.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jan/18/altadena-fire-black-families

Breaking Barriers, Saving Lives: Honoring Firefighters of Color and Their Mental Health Needs
by Rubi Luna Ongaro, MD – SCPS Deputy Minority Underrepresented Groups Representative
The Los Angeles wildfires in January 2025 once again showcased the bravery and dedication of our firefighters. On the first full day of the wildfires, LA County emergency crews battled five major blazes simultaneously, stretching resources thin. Among these crews were over 1,000 incarcerated individuals working tirelessly on the front lines, cutting fire lines and removing fuel to slow the fires’ devastating spread.
Firefighters of color play a crucial role in wildfire response, particularly within inmate firefighter programs. In California, about 70% of incarcerated firefighters are Black or Latino, working under grueling conditions for minimal pay. Despite their vital contributions—especially in protecting communities of color, which are disproportionately affected by wildfires across California—many face systemic barriers to employment after release. Limited job placement programs, hiring biases, and restrictions on obtaining necessary certifications often prevent them from continuing their service as professional firefighters. Additionally, career firefighters of color frequently encounter discrimination and inadequate access to mental health resources.
As we rightfully honor their service during Black History month, we must also acknowledge the physical, emotional, and psychological toll of their work. Black firefighters in California often endure extreme challenges, including exposure to life-threatening situations, long hours, and increasingly severe wildfires. The significant physical and emotional stress of their work can lead to persistent anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and other serious mental health issues.
In fact, research indicates that firefighters and paramedics face a significantly higher risk of PTSD than the general population. It is estimated that nearly 20% of these professionals will experience PTSD at some point in their careers. For firefighters of color, these challenges are compounded by racial discrimination, cultural stigmas around mental health, and the scarcity of diverse mental health professionals equipped to address their needs. Many firefighters also struggle to access mental health care due to high costs and cultural stigmas discouraging help-seeking. Without tailored interventions, these essential workers may suffer in silence and remain unable to access the support they need for their well-being.
In light of these alarming realities, it is imperative to support policies that expand mental health resources for our firefighters and first responders. The U.S. already faces a shortage of mental health professionals, making it even more critical to prioritize care for those on the front lines of disaster response. In 2024, California took a significant step by increasing funding for the Firefighter Behavioral Health Program and launching new peer support networks across multiple counties. While recent efforts in Los Angeles have provided free mental health services to first responders affected by wildfires, these programs must expand to ensure long-term support and resilience strategies.
The firefighters who risk their lives to protect our vulnerable communities deserve more than just our gratitude. Their commitment to protecting at-risk communities should be met with robust mental health resources that safeguard their well-being both on and off the front lines. As mental health professionals, we must support policies addressing the unique mental health challenges faced by those battling wildfires. Ensuring they receive the necessary support services is not just an ethical obligation but a societal imperative. Let us stand together this Black History Month and beyond to advocate for the mental well-being of those who protect our communities.
References:
Jordan, Rob. “Building a Diverse Wildland Fire Workforce to Meet Future Challenges.” Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment, November 11, 2024. Accessed February 2, 2025.
Carey, Mary G., et al. “Sleep Problems, Depression, Substance Use, Social Bonding, and Quality of Life in Professional Firefighters.” Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, August 2011. Accessed February 2, 2025.
Poston, Walker S.C., et al. “Health Disparities Among Racial and Ethnic Minority Firefighters.” Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice, 2014. Accessed February 1, 2025.
Steinberg Institute. “Overworked and Exhausted: California’s Firefighters Face a Mental Health Crisis.” Steinberg Institute, 2024. Accessed January 24, 2025.
Wicker, Kay. “How Many of California’s Incarcerated Firefighters Battling the Wildfires Are People of Color?” TheGrio, January 10, 2025. Accessed January 25, 2025.
BBC News. “California’s Incarcerated Firefighters: The Frontline Heroes You Rarely Hear About.” BBC News, 2025. Accessed January 22, 2025.

Childhood Development Theories: Contextualizing African American and Minoritized Youth
by Austin Nguy, MD – PGY-2 UC Riverside School of Medicine
One of the requirements to finish psychiatry residency is the completion of the Clinical Skills Evaluation or the CSE. This structured evaluation scores psychiatry residents on their competencies for interviewing and presenting a patient case according to the most current psychiatric techniques and procedures. In the aims of the psychiatric interview being inclusive (rather than exclusive to any one group), cultural, racial and ethnic histories are labeled as a core component to the structured psychiatric interview—including some necessary additions to the gender and sexual identity of patients.
I was doing an intake (and my CSE) for an African American youth who had come into the inpatient adolescent wards. The teen was admitted after getting into a heated disagreement with their family that escalated into a physical altercation. They had also impulsively made threatening statements.
When it came to the point of the interview where I was gathering their cultural, racial and ethnic histories, I started with an open-ended question, “How do you identify ethnically or culturally?” They curtly replied, “I’m Black.” and looked at me like it should have been obvious based on simple observation of the color of their skin. There was no further conversation around what ‘Black’ meant to them. We left the conversation at that, and there was a checkmark on my CSE for the cultural, racial and ethnic histories portion.
I think we both knew that yes, it is obvious, and we may have some shared ideas of what ‘Black’ means. Perhaps, I only knew about Black culture at a superficial level through social media, music videos, and Black friends. I am privileged to be educated and understand some historical framing with slavery, the Civil Rights Movement, and the continued systemic and structural racism in our society as well as our medical systems. It was very easy just to assume what their Black culture was, but when I dived deeply into it, I really questioned my own assumptions. My understanding of their specific culture was limited to poor at best.
From that patient interaction, I grew curious about Black and minoritized youth development. Understanding the role of race/culture in an adolescent’s identity can be central to their presentation and disposition. According to traditional and modern theories of child development, children and adolescents can be understood through essentially a close examination of a child’s disposition and their interactions with the world around them. Each theory attempts to form a solidified viewpoint or dimensional aspect to explain behavior, personality, and core competencies in childhood development. A unified approach to these theories could bring about a clearer picture. These theories include but are not limited to: (with pioneer and short description)
- Behavioral Theory: Ivan Pavlov with his operant conditioning model
- Psychoanalytic Theory: Sigmund Freud and his psychodynamic insights into the subconscious
- Maturation Theory: Stanley Hall and his theory of how our genetics influence our personality, dispositions, and vulnerabilities
- Constructivist Theory: Jean Piaget and his theory of how we are changed by our interactions with the environment
These modern childhood development theories provide a rigorous and mechanistic perspective that shape our current understanding of universal childhood development. However, these theories do not adequately describe the development of children of minoritized backgrounds. Modern childhood development theories have primarily de-contextualized the lived experiences of minoritized youth, most especially African American youths.
In our not-too-distant past, racial and ethnic factors were incorporated into an ‘evolutionary’ framework which was unfortunately used as “evidence” for the genetic and cultural inferiority of Black and Brown youth compared to the dominant white majority. Racial and ethnic factors were studied and explained through models that often showed the negatives:
- Genetically deficient model: claimed physical, intellectual and psychological capacities are innate (Dunn 1987).
- Culturally deficient model: claimed a lack of culture when compared to the mainstream white middle class and highlighted developmental deficiencies and deviances (Sears 1975).
These comparative race models targeted the negative developmental outcomes of Black and Brown youth. For example, they affirmed the preponderance of Black and Brown school-aged children with aggression, delinquency, attention deficits, and hyperactivity. They rationalized that Black and Brown children had poorer school performances because their parents did not value or teach the importance of a good education. We can now see how these theories were deeply de-contextualized and have racist undertones that are not permissible today. Yet, some of those very same undertones seem to linger into today’s assessment of minoritized youth (whether in the classroom or in our psychiatric offices).
To counteract these negative developmental theories, an integrative model was designed to better understand minoritized children— to address the ideas of race, ethnicity, and gender that were largely unaccounted for. A theoretical paper published by Coll et al. conceptualized a flowmap framework of minoritized youth development (Figure 1). The paper was inspired by examples of involuntary populations in America: African Americans and mainland Puerto Ricans. This substantive working framework allows for understanding children within their own context and their culture. One that does not single culture out or try to compare it to others but tries to listen, learn, and understand that culture.
Extracted from Coll’s article, An integrative model for the study of developmental competencies in minority children (1996).
To summarize the model, there are social position variables (e.g. race, social class, ethnicity and gender) that are immutable and serve as the basis of racism, prejudice, discrimination and oppression. Societal segregation informs discrimination practices and forms a hierarchical or adaptive culture. The combination of a child’s disposition and family structures lead to the success of the core developmental competencies of the child. Other key highlights: nuanced group specific variables explain how minoritized youth have an additive layer of child development. In addition, there are mechanistic guides on how adaptive culture emerges from these variables. At the same time, recognizing the reality of hardships also gives way to acknowledging the positives of group specific culture. The article leans into the positives of the high emotional maturity and tremendous resiliency of minoritized youth. In addition, family and child characteristics still hold an influential role in their development and goals (in other words, traditional and modern theories noted earlier are highly applicable).
The art of understanding someone’s culture goes deeper than the labels. Reaching across the aisle and asking those hard-hitting questions (which can be initially uncomfortable) can help us truly understand what may be like in our patient shoes. It is vital that we continue to explore topics that may aid in the conversations that we have with our patients regarding race, culture and ethnicity.
I aim to truly attempt to understand a patient, their shared cultural history, their cultural behaviors, and their unique adaptive family traditions. I will continue to educate myself on minoritized social group dynamics through the lens of racism, prejudice, discrimination and oppression. Yet, I also want to understand the positive cultural aspects through examining and acknowledging resiliency, emotional maturity, and more. Working within our patient’s specific culture and getting feedback on the process can help us as providers and clinicians to contextualize their lived experiences.
Citations:
García Coll, C., Lamberty, G., Jenkins, R., McAdoo, H. P., Crnic, K., Wasik, B. H., & Vázquez García, H. (1996). An integrative model for the study of developmental competencies in minority children. Child development, 67(5), 1891–1914.
Dunn, L, M. (1987), Bilingual Hispanic children on the U.S. mainland: A review of research on their cognitive, linguistic and scholastic development. Gircle Pines, MN: American
Guidance Service.
Sears, R. R, (1975), Ancients revisited: A history of child development. Review of Child Development Research (Vol. 5, pp. 1—73). Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

Opinions on Loneliness Among Black/African Individuals in America
by Jessica Osanyinpeju, MS3 at UCR School of Medicine
As a Black medical student, I have benefited much from mentorship from other students, professors, and physicians throughout my education. In an early conversation with a physician mentor from my medical school, he mentioned something that piqued my interest. He recalled listening to a “Hidden Brain” episode featuring the Former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, in which he describes the “loneliness epidemic” ongoing within the United States. I listened to the episode and this led me down a rabbit hole.
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, many fear that loneliness is a rapidly growing phenomenon profoundly affecting mental health and well-being (Ernst et al. 2022). Simultaneously, racial discrimination is a pervasive reality for Black individuals in America, contributing to chronic feelings of social isolation. Experiences of racism, whether overt or subtle, can erode trust in social systems, hinder the formation of meaningful relationships, and foster a sense of exclusion. For instance, navigating predominantly white spaces often requires emotional labor to counteract stereotypes or microaggressions. For myself, navigating the medical school classroom becomes more stressful when I feel added pressure of “representing a group .” This cumulative burden can lead to self-isolation and the development of maladaptive coping mechanisms, such as substance use.
Additionally, I have often thought that workplace environments often amplify feelings of loneliness for Black individuals due to systemic inequities, lack of representation, and implicit biases. This idea is not new, and made more relevant when we review Marx’s concept of alienation. His idea describes the disconnect individuals feel between the products of their labor and the social environment. However, alienation from work is not merely a dissatisfaction with one’s professional life but indicates a deeper disconnection from one’s identity and community. Many workers, especially Black professionals, may encounter limited opportunities for advancement, exclusion from professional networks, and undervaluation of their contributions, fostering a sense of purposelessness (Shantz et al., 2012).
These workplace dynamics are compounded by broader economic disparities. I am experiencing a psychiatric practice for the first time on my third year rotations. After only two weeks, it is clear that Black patients are disproportionately affected by poverty and unemployment, which exacerbates loneliness and instability in our environment and increases susceptibility to mental health conditions and substance use (Gilbert et al., 2022). The inability to achieve economic stability often translates into a lack of social mobility, perpetuating feelings of isolation and despair for generations (Lee et al. 2023)
In my discussions with an addiction psychiatrist, they emphasized that substance use often stems from a lack of social connection, reinforcing the urgent need for community-based support in treatment. Research supports this idea; peer support groups, religious centers, and wraparound care teams have been particularly effective for Black and Latino patients seeking recovery (Aaron et al., 2003; Jordan, 2023). In my psychiatric rotation, my preceptor described this approach as “scaffolding,” a system designed to provide high-acuity patients with a strong network of care. These experiences give me hope. Just as mentorship has been essential in my own journey, I see how expanding access to social support can serve as a protective factor against loneliness, substance use, and mental health struggles. As we move forward, the advent of social prescribing: using community and connection as medicine, may serve as a vital intervention (Chatterjee et al., 2017). Likewise, democratization of the workplace, and systemwide efforts to address workplace alienation and the quiet exodus from unfulfilling labor must be prioritized to restore purpose and belonging (Yeoman, 2014). Loneliness is not just an individual experience but a structural issue, and tackling it requires collective action.
References
Aaron, K. F., Levine, D., & Burstin, H. R. (2003). African American church participation and health care practices. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 18, 908–913.
Chatterjee, H. J., Camic, P. M., Lockyer, B., & Thomson, L. J. M. (2017). Non-clinical community interventions: a systematised review of social prescribing schemes. Arts & Health, 10(2), 97–123. https://doi.org/10.1080/17533015.2017.1334002
Ernst, M., Niederer, D., Werner, A. M., Czaja, S. J., Mikton, C., Ong, A. D., Rosen, T., Brähler, E., & Beutel, M. E. (2022). Loneliness before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review with meta-analysis.American Psychologist, 77(5), 660–677. https://doi.org/10.1037/amp0001005
Gilbert K Let al. Ransome, Y.,, Dean, L. T., DeCaille, J., & Kawachi, I. Social capital, Black social mobility, and health disparities. (2022). Annu Rev Public Health. 43:173–191. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-publhealth-052020-112623)
Hidden Brain. (2023). Relationships 2.0: An antidote to loneliness. Hidden Brain Media. https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/relationships-2-0-an-antidote-to-loneliness/
Jordan, A., Costa, M., Nich, C., Swarbrick, M., Babuscio. T., Wyatt, J., O’Connell, M., Guy, K., Blackman, K., Anderson, R. R., Reis, G., Ocasio, L., Crespo, M., Bellamy, C. (2023). Breaking through social determinants of health: Results from a feasibility study of Imani Breakthrough, a community developed substance use intervention for Black and Latinx people. Journal of substance use and addiction treatment; 209057. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.josat.2023.209057
Lee, A. T., Chin, P., Nambiar, A., & Hill Haskins, N. (2023). Addressing intergenerational trauma in Black families: Trauma-informed socioculturally attuned family therapy. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 49, 447–462. https://doi.org/10.1111/jmft.12632
Shantz, A., Alfes, K., & Truss, C. (2012). Alienation from work: Marxist ideologies and twenty-first-century practice. The International Journal of Human Resource Management, 25(18), 2529–2550. https://doi.org/10.1080/09585192.2012.667431
Yeoman, R. Conceptualising Meaningful Work as a Fundamental Human Need. J Bus Ethics 125, 235–251 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-013-1894-9

Doctoring While Black
by Ruqayyah Malik, MD, SCPS Diversity and Culture Committee Chair
Disclaimer: This narrative describes a de-identified patient encounter, ensuring that no real individuals can be recognized while preserving the essence of the experience.
“Hello? Is this Mr. X? Hi, my name is Dr. Malik. I’m a resident doctor…” It was a typical Monday at my outpatient psychiatric clinic. I was in my 2nd month of this particular rotation and well-versed in the opening spiel that I gave to every patient as I quickly pulled up their chart, reviewed their last note and set up my own note for the mostly virtual encounters. “Yes. You’re late. Let’s just get to it. It’s unprofessional to not be on time. ”, Mr. X responded curtly. I indeed was running more than 25 minutes late on this particular day after having an extensive intake with multiple medical students. I was already feeling flustered and could hear the patient’s irritation in his voice at having been kept waiting. I sincerely apologized for the delay, thanked him for his patience, and attempted to break the ice of our first encounter by asking him about his weekend.
Mr. X began to relax and open up as we chatted. The topic of basketball came up as he shared that he was a sports fan. He casually remarked, “You know those Blacks only know how to do 2 things, play sports or be in music. Other than that most of them are in jail because they don’t want to do any honest work.” A chill immediately ran down my spine as my fingers froze over my keyboard. I couldn’t believe what I had just heard. “Wh- wha- well what do you mean?”, I stuttered. I was stalling as I tried to process what had just happened while also giving the patient an opportunity to clarify or take back his blatantly racist comments. Unbeknownst to Mr. X over our telephone encounter was the fact that I am, in fact, a Black doctor. My seat at my table wearing my white coat was paid for with the relentless love, labor, and dedication of my single mother who left behind her homeland and family to start over in America. She did so to give me the privilege of opportunity and freedom of choice. Mr. X’s statements and the increasingly racist tirade that followed felt like a slap in the face to the work and sacrifice that I, as well as the village who raised me, put into getting me into the seat where I could provide care to him.
As Mr. X doubled down on his assertions that Black people were inherently incapable of working respectable honest jobs and as a result are more likely to break the law and be incarcerated, I had a decision to make. Should I try to redirect the conversation and just ignore his statements in order to get through the visit and not fall even further behind my clinic schedule? Or should I address the situation directly and try to maintain my dignity as a Black person who is fundamentally against racism and bigotry? Was it my place as a doctor to correct and potentially embarrass my patient? Even if they were clearly in the wrong? Was there even a point in saying anything? How likely was I to change the patient’s mind and worldview? What about the effect on the already tenuous doctor-patient rapport? Thankfully I already had a frame of reference for answering all of these questions as they popped into my head. My residency training program included a diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) curriculum that confronted racism as well as other forms of discrimination and bias in medicine. Most importantly, we were given practical tools and discussion techniques to approach challenging situations as well as the opportunity to workshop them in small groups. Frank discussions with my colleagues regarding our duty to serve while preserving our personal dignity and integrity had helped prepare me for what I might do in a situation like the one I found myself in with Mr. X.
My initial question of “what do you mean?” was a strategy that I learned in one of my DEI lectures as a way to gently challenge someone as opposed to ignoring or immediately dismissing what was said and my own discomfort. It was now Mr. X’s turn to stumble over his words as he sensed that we were not on the same page regarding his previous racist statements. “I’m just saying how I honestly feel, people want to get offended because they don’t like to hear the truth” he responded irritably. My following response to Mr. X informing him that his discriminatory statements were inappropriate and would not be tolerated by either me or the medical institution I represented was met with immediate minimizing and Mr. X abruptly changing the topic back to his chief complaint. The rest of the visit went by quickly as Mr. X tersely answered my questions and hurried me off the phone. I could tell that he had not expected to be challenged on his statements by his doctor and have boundaries set regarding his future behavior. I left my encounter with Mr. X feeling whole rather than dehumanized and humiliated. I had firmly but respectfully defended myself as well as my core principles and was still able to complete the visit and provide the necessary care. I was able to debrief with my supervising attending and nursing staff who were supportive and got through the rest of my clinic day.
Racism is too often an unfortunate part of under-represented minority (URM) physicians’ experiences. Physicians are not obligated to provide care at the expense of their own safety, dignity and mental well-being. Education and training on diversity, equity and inclusion can help URM physicians as well as other healthcare allies navigate challenging patient interactions while preserving their personal dignity and maintaining the psychological safety of the patient. While recent events in the federal government have regressed DEI policies and protections, we must reaffirm our commitment to dismantling systemic racism and recognizing the value and strength in diversity.
References:
- Bhopal, R. (2001). Racism in medicine: the spectre must be exorcised. BMJ, 322(7301), 1503-1504.

Increasing Member Diversity in APA Councils
Better Than “Who You Know”
by Roderick Shaner, MD, Co-Chair, SCPS GAC
The SCPS Taskforce on APA Representation, convened by SCPS President Galya Rees and chaired by SCPS APA Assembly Representatives Anita Red and Heather Silverman, will produce blueprints for ensuring that our membership voice at APA is clear and effective. Some taskforce members have identified informal APA folkways that, however hallowed, undermine diversity, equity, and inclusion in our leadership and actions. We will be stronger if we change these.
The Problem
For most of APA’s 180 years, formal communication was limited to snail mail and occasional meetings. A talented and dedicated core of leaders who knew and trusted each other was necessary for efficiency. Such leaders could act nimbly when required and could recruit new members into the circle. This worked well, but at a cost.
Gaining access into the inner circle of leadership still depends in large part upon who you know and impress. This cedes tremendous informal power to a relatively small group. It steals power from qualified APA members who have cultural or political backgrounds or views that are not shared by the inner few, or who choose not to favorably impress them.
An Example
The APA contains fourteen Councils focused on issues with great clinical and political significance. They exert definitive influence on APA policies and actions. Diversity is now widely recognized as a tool of organizational excellence. The APA Councils would benefit from reflecting the diversity of its membership base as well as the patient populations it serves. Unfortunately, the insularity of the current Council appointment process does not strongly promote this goal. Council members are appointed each year by the incoming APA president-elect, but the appointment process is far from formal or transparent. Basically, it requires those seeking appointment to urge influential colleagues to write letters of recommendation to the president-elect. The resultant roster of APA Council members includes many members with high abilities and productive activities who impress a close circle of established leaders.
This method, while efficient, likely excludes many applicants who either don’t know or don’t agree with influential inner circle colleagues. It undermines leadership diversity, equity, and inclusion at a national level by eliminating applicants who may be highly regarded and productive in their respective District Branches, Area Councils, and state organizations. Council membership is effectively limited to a relatively small group of vanguards who hold the keys to access.
A Solution:
Modern communication now allows top APA leadership to quickly gather, act upon, and report back on information from every part of the APA rather than from a few familiar people. One proposal under consideration by the SCPS Taskforce would complement the traditional “who you know” method of APA Council Appointment.
The proposal is simple. The selection of APA Council members by the president-elect should be based at least in part upon a standardized evaluation of each applicant’s suitability, experience, and performance for the desired Council position. This standardized evaluation would include input from the applicant’s District Branch and other specified APA Components in which the applicant serves. The process would objectify and quantify the resultant ratings and would come from a wider circle. This new evaluation could be built upon the strong model already in place for the APA distinguished fellowship designation.
Adding standardized objective assessment from District Branches and other APA components will facilitate competitive applications by a broader range of talented applicants. It lessens the pressure on applicants, and future generations of APA leadership, to conform only to views that they believe are held by current leaders with influence. It will strengthen us through increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion. The SCPS taskforce will be conferring with past and current APA leadership regarding the best way to implement such changes.

Welcome New SCPS Members!
We are proud to spotlight some of our newest members:

John Stewart, MD – Resident-Fellow Member
I am a second-year Child Psychiatry Fellow at Los Angeles General Hospital (formerly LAC + USC), working in CHLA-affiliated clinics to serve a diverse population covered by private insurance and Medicaid/MediCal. Known for my dedication to patients, staff, and colleagues, I consistently seek opportunities to collaborate, share knowledge, and lead discussions that foster proactive improvements in workplace culture. Most recently, I have delved into Jungian Psychology and Systems Psychodynamics/Group Relations to better understand how unconscious group processes shape workplace dynamics. This exploration has enhanced my ability to navigate and contribute to complex organizational environments, aligning with my goal of creating a more
supportive and effective healthcare system.

Jami Wang, DO – Resident-Fellow Member
Dr. Jami Wang is one of the chief residents at Kaiser Permanente. Growing up as a first-generation student, Dr. Wang has a strong commitment to advancing healthcare for underserved communities. She graduated with honors from UC Berkeley, earning a degree in Public Health. Following her studies, she became an instructor at Stanford University’s Office of Diversity in Medical Education, teaching courses on health disparities and research. Throughout her career, Dr. Wang has remained dedicated to serving underserved populations. Her current interests in psychiatry include interventional psychiatry and addressing inequalities in mental health care.
All new SCPS members are invited to provide Membership Spotlight materials. (Providing these materials is optional.)

Joel Yager, MD (1941 – 2024)
Joel Yager, Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry in the UCLA Department of Psychiatry, Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry at University of New Mexico and at the University of Colorado died on December 22, 2024 after a three year battle with cancer. As someone who thought about and wrote extensively about end of life issues with great wisdom, Joel spent his last weeks with his family, clear eyed and conscious of his reality, facing it with his great depth of feeling and sense of humor (of course!) intact.
Joel was the Residency Director in the Department of Psychiatry from 1973-1995 and was the Associate Chair for Education for the last few of those years. He trained a generation of psychiatrists including many of the senior psychiatrists in the Los Angeles community. Joel was the quintessential teacher-he seemed to know everything, was interested in everything, infused discussions with his trainees with his infectious love of psychiatry, knowledge and compassionate clinical work. Many of us are eternally grateful to him for his supervision, mentorship and career advice. During his time at UCLA, he also started our first eating disorder program, an area in which he was a national expert.
After leaving Los Angeles, he continued his career at the Universities of New Mexico, where he was Professor and Vice Chair for Education and at the U of Colorado where, as Professor, he continued his commitment to education, mentorship, scholarship and clinical work.
Joel was a prolific writer. He wrote just under 400 papers, most first authored plus endless editorial board roles and invited lectures at national and international meetings. Over the last few years, especially as he dealt with physical illness, he wrote about more existential themes. Even within the last year, as he struggled with his illness and the side effects of chemotherapy, he continued to write, publishing papers in elite journals such as JAMA on topics such as growing old, facing a lethal illness and so forth.
Joel leaves his wife of 60 years, Eileen, his two wonderful children, Jonathan and Alison (both physicians) and seven grandchildren who he adored.. and who adored him. He also leaves a legacy of being the consummate academic leader, who touched the lives of patients, students and colleagues.
The world is a smaller and dimmer place without Joel.
Those interested in donations in Joel’s memory should consider Jewish Family Service of Colorado or the Food Bank of the Rockies
– Michael Gitlin, MD

SCPS Election 2025
CANDIDATE STATEMENTS
Deadlines for Nominations by Petition: February 25, 2025
In this special section, the candidates nominated for your representation discuss their views.
Please read the statements carefully before voting.
Ballots will be mailed on or around March 10th.
Please visit this page for complete information and timeline.
Emily Wood, MD
President-elect
I would like to thank the nominating committee for nominating me as President-Elect. I continue to find in SCPS a collegial network of like minds to champion equitable, diverse, and inclusive behavioral health care and delivery. I was fortunate enough to be elected to the SCPS Council in 2021 as an Early Career Psychiatrist Representative. Since then, I have served as Co-Chair of SCPS Government Affairs and Diversity, founder and Co-Chair of the SCPS Alternatives to Incarceration Committee, Co-Chair of the SCPS Stimulant Shortage Task Force, and as Chair of Government Affairs for the California State Association of Psychiatrists. Through these positions, I have been able to work collaboratively with the SCPS Executive Committee and Council, our advocacy team in Sacramento, psychiatry colleagues from all 5 California APA district branches, legislators, community organizers, and government officials across California. Through this work, I have learned a great deal about the diversity of psychiatric practice across our district area – from public to private, giant HMO to local clinic, child to geriatric, county juvenile hall to state prison, and psychotherapy to neuromodulatory modalities. We serve an amazing range of patients with the common goal of improving behavioral and mental health in our community.
As physicians, especially psychiatrists, we are afforded great privilege to both witness and alleviate suffering in our community. Our professional strength comes through supporting each other and holding ourselves accountable for shaping our healthcare systems to meet the needs of all patients. On SCPS council, I have and will continue to advocate for mental health parity and equitable, high-quality patient care in Southern California.
Gillian Friedman, MD
Treasurer-elect
I am honored to be nominated for the position of Treasurer-Elect for SCPS. Currently I serve as Secretary for SCPS Council, and previously served as Inland Region Councillor. I am co-chair for the Access to Care Committee, and a member of the Government Affairs Committee. In these positions, I witness the real day-to-day implications that SCPS advocacy has for SCPS psychiatrists and our patients.
I have been a member of APA for roughly 25 years (since the beginning of residency). Prior to joining SCPS Council, I organized informal gatherings for SCPS members in the Inland Region. It has been so rewarding over the past 4 years to join in SCPS leadership and to translate SCPS psychiatrists’ concerns into action.
I have spent most of my career in public psychiatry (inpatient, subacute, and outpatient), but also run a part-time private practice. I currently serve as Medical Director at Patton State Hospital, a forensic setting. I have worked in virtually every psychiatric environment, so if you reach out to me, I’ll understand the challenges you are facing.
There are many critical factors facing our profession currently: the worsening shortage of psychiatrists, scope of practice issues, persistent difficulty with mental health parity despite federal and state parity legislation, the ongoing stimulant crisis, logistical barriers to some of our most effective treatments like clozapine, and many more. I have been excited to be involved in actions by SCPS Council to advocate to California legislature, APA, and even federal agencies around these issues.
I am committed to hearing from you about the issues affecting your practice, and to helping SCPS pursue opportunities for advocacy. The stimulant crisis, the decreasing access of our patients to care by psychiatrists, and the problems psychiatrists have in getting fair reimbursement from insurance, remain particular areas of concern for me.
No statement at this time
Secretary
Yelena Koldobskaya, MD
San Fernando Valley Region Councillor
I completed my residency training at UCLA. I then worked as a psychiatrist in the Los Angeles County Jail from 2017 to 2022, and witnessed firsthand the severity of mental illness and the limitations of psychiatric treatment in the criminal justice system. In mid-2022, I joined the Department of Mental Health Homeless Outreach and Mobile Engagement (HOME) team in Service Areas 5 and 8, which include Malibu / Santa Monica, West LA, Inglewood, South Bay, and Long Beach. In September 2023, I was promoted to Supervising Psychiatrist and Associate Medical Director for HOME’s South County teams, which include Service Areas 5, 6, 7, and 8. My work focuses on street-based treatment of our County’s most vulnerable homeless individuals. Homelessness has been a highly visible crisis here in Los Angeles and has been declared a state of emergency by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. Along with Dr. Danielle Chang, I serve as co-chair of the SCPS Unhoused Crisis Workgroup. I hope to continue to use my work experience to advocate for additional care resources for this vulnerable patient population. I also hope to use my experience to advocate for the evolving needs of psychiatrists, frontline workers, our patients, and our patients’ families.
Ruqayyah Malik, MD
Early Career Psychiatrist Representative
I’m honored to be considered for the Early Career Psychiatrist Deputy Representative position. I recently graduated from the UC Riverside Psychiatry Residency in 2024. I also recently became an American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology diplomate in psychiatry. Though I am early in my attending career as a staff psychiatrist at the Department of State Hospitals- Patton, I have been involved with the Southern California Psychiatric Society since 2022. I have served as the Minority and Underrepresented Groups Deputy Representative in the past and currently serve as the Minority and Underrepresented Groups Representative as well as chair of the Diversity and Culture Committee. If elected as the ECP I will strive to give voice to the issues facing new attending psychiatrists that are navigating the transition from residency/ fellowship into the workforce. I will strive to advocate for informational programming and events that would be helpful to early career psychiatrists as they consider their attending career options.
Austin Nguy, MD
Deputy Minority and Underrepresented Groups Representative
I am a second-year psychiatry resident at UC Riverside School of Medicine. A bit about me- I come from a multicultural background. I was born in Australia to a Vietnamese refugee dad and an Indonesian mom. I moved to Southern California at the age of 10 and was raised in Santa Ana. I am not only the first physician in my family, but also the first to go to college. I studied and double majored in Molecular Cell Biology and Music at UC Berkeley, then started medical school at UCRSOM. I love Riverside, the Inland Empire, and the mission of UCRSOM to serve underserved and under-resourced communities. This is why I decided to stay at UCRSOM for my residency training. During my time in residency, some of my roles include serving as the leader of our Diversity Advisory Committee and have been active in the recruitment for Underrepresented in Medicine (URM) and institutionalizing an LGBT health literacy curriculum in our UCRSOM. In this DMURR role, I hope to continue to champion the disadvantaged and become a voice for accountability for our minority voices for the Southern California region.
Thank you again for your consideration.
Christopher Chamanadjian, MD
Resident-Fellow Member Representative
It is an honor to be nominated for the position of Resident-Fellow Member Representative of SCPS.
Throughout my training, I had the privilege of working in diverse healthcare systems, gaining insight into the profound mental healthcare disparities that disproportionately affect underserved communities. These experiences strengthened my commitment to promoting equitable access to care through innovation and collaboration.
As a technology enthusiast, I contributed to the development of the first FDA-approved digital mental health diagnostic device by researching the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to diagnose Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Currently, I am a first-year Child and Adolescent Psychiatry fellow at Charles R. Drew University and serve as the Member-in-Training Representative for the Southern California Society for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (SCSCAP). In this role, I collaborated with the executive council to launch a mentorship program connecting trainees with experienced psychiatrists and enhanced member engagement through social media. Nationally, I represent trainees on AACAP’s Media and Health Promotion and Prevention Committees, contributing to mental health advocacy and prevention initiatives.
If elected, I will work to ensure SCPS remains an inclusive and thriving organization by fostering engagement and opportunities for underrepresented trainees across Southern California. Thank you sincerely for your consideration.
Alexis Smith, MD
Resident-Fellow Member Representative
I am thrilled and humbled to have been nominated for the role of resident member representative for the SCPS. I am a second-year psychiatry resident at UCLA and completed my medical education at Harvard. Having grown up in rural Missouri over 30 miles away from the nearest psychiatrist, I know firsthand the necessity of improving equitable access to high-quality mental healthcare and recognize that this advocacy starts locally. Through my role as a resident lead in the UCLA restraint reduction initiative, I’ve learned the importance of innovation, persistence, and multidisciplinary collaboration for institutional and cultural change. I appreciate your consideration!
C. Freeman, MD
APA Assembly Representative
As a psychiatrist committed to advancing mental health care, I am honored to seek re election as APA Assembly Representative. With experience spanning rural and urban settings, I bring a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our profession, supported by a track record of impactful leadership.
In my practice, I advocate for patient-centered care, equitable access to services, and innovative solutions to workforce shortages and systemic barriers. As a Climate Health Equity Fellow, I explored the intersection of mental health, environmental factors, and health equity, sharing insights through op-eds and national presentations. My advocacy focuses on forward-thinking policies to address workforce sustainability, health equity, and mental health policy.
I have founded residency programs to cultivate the next generation of psychiatrists and close workforce gaps in underserved communities. My years of service on APA Assembly committees and other professional organizations have strengthened my ability to represent our collective voice effectively.
As your Assembly Representative, I will prioritize:
• Amplifying psychiatrists’ voices in shaping policies that impact practice and patient
care.
• Promoting initiatives to address burnout and build resilience among colleagues.
• Advocating for mental health parity and equitable resource distribution.
Through collaboration, transparency, and commitment, we can advance psychiatry and improve the lives of those we serve. My leadership, scholarship, and advocacy experiences have prepared me to represent you effectively, and I look forward to the opportunity to work toward meaningful change. Thank you for your support.

Distinguished Fellowship
Have you been a General or Fellow member for at least eight years? If so, you may be eligible to apply for Distinguished Fellowship.
Distinguished Fellowship is awarded to outstanding psychiatrists who have made significant contributions to the psychiatric profession in at least five of the following areas: administration, teaching, scientific and scholarly publications, volunteering in mental health and medical activities of social significance, community involvement, as well as for clinical excellence. Distinguished Fellow is the highest membership honor the APA bestows upon members.
The application process takes almost a year and the 2025 cycle is about to begin. For more information please go to https://www.psychiatry.org/membership/honorary-fellowship/dfapa
If you are interested in becoming a DFAPA and believe you might be eligible, please contact Mindi at socalpsychiatric@gmail.com
She will provide you with the form required for the first step in the process.

Outstanding Achievement Award
SCPS Awards Committee is seeking nominations for the 2025 Outstanding Achievement Award. To apply, or to nominate a colleague, please submit a current CV for the nominee to Mindi at socalpsychiatric@gmail.com.
Award description:
Outstanding Achievement Award honors a member for significant and exceptional contributions to psychiatry in clinical, scientific, educational and/or administrative areas which has earned him/her widespread recognition and respect in the community.

Information about SCPS Dues and Tax Deductibility
Your continued membership is of great value to SCPS and the California State Association of Psychiatrists (CSAP).
For 2025, 28.2% of your dues will go towards direct advocacy services. The remaining 71.8% may be written off as a business expense. Please consult your accountant regarding deductibility.
For 2024, 25% of your dues went towards direct advocacy services. The remaining 75% may be written off as a business expense. Please consult your accountant regarding deductibility.
We know that membership is a choice and we thank you for choosing to support your profession, your patients, and your colleagues.
Sincerely,
Ijeoma Ijeaku, M.D.
Chair, Membership Committee

Classified Ad
Heritage Clinic, a nonprofit community mental health agency in Los Angeles County, is seeking to hire a full-time psychiatrist to support our services. In addition to seeing clients in the clinic, the candidate would visit clients in the community. Compensation would be between $200,000 and $300,000.
Heritage Clinic provides “wrap around” mental health services, including psychiatric medication evaluation & follow up, psychotherapy and intensive case management services through contract with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health. We serve low income, severely mentally ill older adults, 60 and older, as well as younger adults. Clients are seen in the clinic in person, via telehealth, in the field and in their homes.
More information can be found at heritageclinic.org and/or by contacting Janet Yang, Ph.D. at jyang@cfar1.org or 626 390 9956.

The Southern California PSYCHIATRIST
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© Copyright 2025 by Southern California Psychiatric Society
Southern California PSYCHIATRIST is published monthly, except August by the:
Southern California Psychiatric Society
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(310) 815-3650
Permission to quote or report any part of this publication must be obtained in advance from the Editor.
Opinions expressed throughout this publication are those of the writers and, unless specifically identified as a Society policy, do not state the opinion or position of the Society or the Editorial Committee. The Editor should be informed at the time of the Submission of any article that has been submitted to or published in another publication.
Disclaimer
Advertisements in this newsletter do not represent endorsement by the Southern California Psychiatric Society (SCPS), and contain information submitted for advertising which has not been verified for accuracy by the SCPS.
SCPS Officers
President – Galya Rees, M.D.
President-Elect – Patrick Kelly, M.D.
Secretary – Gillian Friedman, M.D.
Treasurer – Emily Wood, M.D.
Treasurer-Elect – Laura Halpin, M.D.
Councillors by Region (Terms Expiring)
Inland – Daniel Fast, M.D. (2027); Kayla Fisher, M.D. (2027)
San Fernando Valley – Danielle Chang, M.D. (2025); Matthew Markis, D.O. (2026)
San Gabriel Valley/Los Angeles-East – Reba Bindra, M.D. (2026); Timothy Pylko, M.D. (2026)
Santa Barbara – Anu Bodla, M.D. (2027)
South Bay – Steven Allen, M.D. (2025)
South L.A. County – Amy Woods, M.D. (2026)
Ventura – Joseph Vlaskovits, M.D. (2026)
West Los Angeles – Haig Goenjian, M.D. (2027); Tanya Josic, D.O. (2027); Lloyd Lee, D.O. (2027); Alex Lin, M.D. (2026)
ECP Representative – Yelena Koldobskaya, M.D. (2025)
ECP Deputy Representative – Manal Khan, M.D. (2026)
RFM Representative – So Min Lim, D.O. (2025); Justin Nguyen, D.O. (2025)
MURR Representative – Ruqayyah Malik, M.D. (2025)
MURR Deputy Representative – Rubi Luna, M.D. (2025)
Past Presidents – Ijeoma Ijeaku, M.D.; J Zeb Little, M.D.; Matthew Goldenberg, D.O.
Federal Legislative Representative – Emily Wood, M.D.
State Legislative Representative – Roderick Shaner, M.D.
Public Affairs Representative – Christina Ford, M.D.
Assembly Representatives – Ijeoma Ijeaku, M.D. (2027); Anita Red, M.D. (2028); Heather Silverman, M.D.(2026); C. Freeman, M.D. (2025)
Executive Director – Mindi Thelen
Desktop Publishing – Tim Thelen
SCPS Newsletter Editor – Patrick Kelly, M.D