The Society for the Study of Psychiatry and Culture (SSPC) is a not-for-profit association devoted to furthering research, clinical care and education in cultural aspects of mental health and illness. The Society has a diverse international membership and encourages participation of professionals and students from psychiatry, psychology, nursing, and the social sciences who are at various stages of practice, teaching or training. The society focuses attention on the importance of cultural factors in psychiatric care, education, and research through its group and individual efforts.

The Society meets annually in the autumn in North America, and overseas every four years, to present the latest research in cultural psychiatry, and to coordinate society efforts in medical and psychiatric education. The Society sponsors the John Spiegel and Charles Hughes Fellowships, annual travel awards for students, residents, or fellows to attend the annual meeting. The Society also publishes a newsletter twice per year to keep its members informed of group and individual professional activities and initiatives.

Further information about joining the Society can be obtained by emailing Dr. Jim Boehnlein, President of the Society at boehnlei@ohsu.edu, or calling him at 503-494-6653