Session Description
Ethnic and cultural differences can have a significant impact on functioning and therapeutic relationships. In a didactic and participative format, this workshop will address biological, psychological and social implications of ethnicity and culture on the pharmacological treatment of psychiatric disorders, as well as provide practical suggestions to be used in the therapeutic relationship to optimize consumer recovery.

Learning Objectives

Upon completing this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Identify ethnic differences in the metabolism of different medications and drugs of abuse.
• Identify and appreciate the impact of ethnicity and culture on therapeutic relationships.
• Identify different mechanisms by which ethnicity and culture can bolster or undermine therapeutic alliance and medication adherence.
• Be competent to address issues of ethnicity and culture that are impacting the treatment relationship.
• Be competent to act as an advocate on issues of ethnicity and culture for clients whom they refer for psychiatric evaluation.
  

Nzinga Ajabu Harrison, M.D. was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana by her mother,
an elementary school educator, and her father, a Black Panther. The emphasis on education,
identity and activism coupled with her desire to be a doctor led her to pursue undergraduate
training at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), Howard University in
Washington D.C.

After receiving her Bachelor of Science in Biology with minors in Chemistry and Spanish,
she embarked on medical training at the University of Pennsylvania where she completed her medical degree and chose the specialty of Psychiatry.

Upon completion of her medical degree, she moved to Atlanta to complete her residency training in General Psychiatry at Emory University where she served as Chief Resident of both the Psychopharmacology and Psychotherapy Training Clinics. Since entering the field of Psychiatry, she has placed her emphasis on the education, diagnosis and treatment of substance use disorders.

She currently spends her personal time as a wife and mother of two toddlers.  Her professional time is spent treating patients in the DeKalb Addiction Clinic and Winn Way Mental Health Clinic of the DeKalb Community Service Board which provides treatment for mental health, addictive and developmental disorders on a sliding scale fee basis in Decatur, GA.