At the Mental Health World Conference (MHWC 2026), this session brings together social scientists, cultural psychiatrists, LGBTQIA+ advocates, and policy analysts to explore the intersections of identity-based factors and mental health outcomes. Case studies, community-driven models, and anti-oppressive clinical practices will be highlighted to inform equitable and inclusive mental health systems.
In the session, we will examine how different dimensions of our identities, like race, gender, social status, sexuality, and disabilities, affect our access to medical care, the care we receive, and our overall wellness. We will examine how structures, discrimination, and stigma affect our mental health, among other topics. Moreover, we will take a look at how cultural care, trauma-informed care, and psychotherapeutic practices that recognize our lived experiences and empower us to work. It is vital to emphasize how representation matters for mental health practitioners and to incorporate the voices of our communities when developing and implementing mental health interventions.