Inequality, climate-related disasters and ecological destruction, and adverse mental health outcomes are inextricably linked. Populations vulnerable to climate change-related impacts such as older adults, children, pregnant women, individuals experiencing homelessness, persons with behavioral health conditions, people with lower incomes, individuals with limited English proficiency, migrants or refugees, ethnically and racially minoritized communities, and tribes and indigenous peoples are at a heightened risk of related negative psychosocial effects. Panelists will analyze the contributing factors to the compounded vulnerability of at-risk groups and address strategies for mobilizing climate justice and resilience.

Learning Objectives

• Discuss climate change-drive mental health inequities from a diverse panel of clinicians representing the communities most impacted- those that have been ethnically and racially minoritized.
• Analyze impacts of global climate change-related disasters on mental health of vulnerable groups.
• Describe the historical roots of transgenerational trauma that impact vulnerable populations facing current climate impacts.
• Review the unique psychological and behavioral responses of diverse populations and the role of mental health professionals in ameliorating climate anxiety.
• Apply disaster psychiatry principles to enhance community preparedness, resilience, and recovery.

Target Audience

Psychiatrists, residents/fellows, medical students, psychologists, other mental health professionals

Instructional Level

Introductory, Intermediate

Estimate Time to Complete

Estimated Duration: 1.0 hour
Program Start Date: February 1st, 2023 
Program End Date: February 1st, 2026

How to Earn Credit

Participants who wish to earn AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ may do so after completing all sections of the course including the evaluation. After evaluating the program, course participants will be provided with an opportunity to claim hours of participation and print an official CME certificate (physicians) or certificate of participation (non-physicians) showing the completion date and hours earned.

Continuing Education Credit

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The American Psychiatric Association designates this live activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint providership of the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and APA DDHE. The APA is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Planning Committee and Faculty Disclosures

The American Psychiatric Association adheres to the ACCME's Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Medical Education. Any individuals in a position to control the content of a CME activity — including faculty, planners, reviewers or others — are required to disclose all relevant financial relationships with ineligible entities (commercial interests). All relevant conflicts of interest have been mitigated prior to the commencement of the activity.

Faculty Disclosures

• Regina James, MD, Chief Medical Officer, APA DDHE. Has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.
• Joe Neidhardt, MD. Has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.
• Carissa Caban-Aleman, MD. Has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.
• Robin Cooper, MD. Has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.
• Jessica Isom, MD. Has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Planning Committee

• Regina James, MD, Chief Medical Officer, APA DDHE. Has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Accessibility for Participants with Disabilities

The American Psychiatric Association is committed to ensuring accessibility of its website to people with disabilities. If you have trouble accessing any of APA’s online resources, please contact us at 202-559-3900 for assistance.

Technical Requirements

This internet-based CME activity is best experienced using any of the following:

• The latest and 2nd latest public versions of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Safari
• Internet Explorer 11+

This website requires that JavaScript and session cookies be enabled. Certain activities may require additional software to view multimedia, presentation, or printable versions of the content. These activities will be marked as such and will provide links to the required software. That software may be:  Adobe Acrobat Reader, Microsoft PowerPoint, and Windows Media Player.

Optimal System Configuration:

• Browser: Google Chrome (latest and 2nd latest version), Safari (latest and 2nd latest version), Internet Explorer 11.0+, Firefox (latest and 2nd latest version), or Microsoft Edge (latest and 2nd latest version)
• Operating System: Windows versions 8.1+, Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard) +, Android (latest and 2nd latest version), or iOS/iPad OS (latest and 2nd latest version)
• Internet Connection: 1 Mbps or higher

Minimum Requirements:

• Windows PC: Windows 8.1 or higher; 1 GB (for 32-bit)/2 GB (for 64-bit) or higher RAM; Microsoft DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM driver; audio playback with speakers for programs with video content
• Macintosh: Mac OS X 10.5 or higher with latest updates installed; Intel, PowerPC G5, or PowerPC G4 (867MHz or faster) processor; 512 MB or higher RAM; audio playback with speakers for programs with video content

For assistance: Contact educme@psych.org for questions about this activity | Contact SMIadviserhelp@psych.org for technical assistance