The purpose of this webinar is to explore the intersection of mental health, substance use, and integrated healthcare within Hispanic communities. Participants will gain insights into current mental health and substance use trends affecting this population, providing a foundation for understanding their unique needs. The session will define integrated healthcare, highlighting the evidence supporting its implementation and necessity for improved outcomes. Attendees will learn about prevention strategies, assessment tools, and the integration of behavioral treatments into primary care tailored to Hispanic patients. Various integrated care models, including multidisciplinary approaches and culturally specific healthcare languages, will be discussed to enhance care delivery. The webinar will also address key facilitators and barriers to integration, such as policy frameworks and payment models. Lastly, it will examine the implications of integrating mental health and substance use disorder treatments into primary care for the advancement of equity in Hispanic healthcare.
Guest Speaker:
Dr. Héctor Colón-Rivera
Dr. Colón-Rivera is a distinguished quadruple board-certified adolescent, adult, and addiction psychiatrist of the Pennsylvania medical community. He has broad experience in community-based programs, emphasizing those that help increase access to severe mental illness and substance use disorder treatments.
He is the Medical Director of the Asociación Puertorriqueños en Marcha, Inc. Behavioral Health Program (APM), a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of Hispanic communities in the Philadelphia region through direct behavior and substance use disorder services. APM has functions related to education, health, human services, community, foster homes, and economic development.
Dr. Colon Rivera is also an attending physician at the Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic and UPMC through their telemedicine services.
He is a co-founder, volunteer, and member of CrearConSalud.org. This non-profit aims to support and conduct educational, research, and advocacy activities to increase public awareness and action regarding mental health in Puerto Rico and Latinx communities in the United States.
Dr. Colon-Rivera serves as a clinical advisor for the Advisory on Alcohol and Other Drugs Committee for Pennsylvania under Governor Shapiro's administration and the Opioid State Targeted Response Technical Assistance senior advisor in Puerto Rico. His influential role in shaping mental health policies is a reassurance of his dedication and expertise.
He is the Minority Underrepresented representative for the Hispanic Caucus in the Assembly of the American Psychiatric Association (APA) after serving for six years as its president, a member of the Assembly, and the Council on Communication at the APA.
Dr. Colon Rivera's international experience is a testament to his global perspective. He has participated in over 95 national and international presentations/workshops/ writings on substance use and related disorders, social determinants, the technology used to expand mental health treatments, and mental health in adults and adolescents. This extensive involvement demonstrates his commitment to a global understanding of mental health, which is sure to enlighten and inspire.