This presentation will illustrate how stories from clinical practice have called attention to the importance of bridging medication adherence and prescribing disparities, enabling a culturally sensitive practice-based psychopharmacology foundation for patients with mood disorders.

The diversity of our communities is increasing dramatically. Unfortunately, culturally sensitive practice has lagged behind the escalating pace of population diversity, contributing to mental health disparities. Clinicians are uniquely positioned to address sociocultural considerations when prescribing to diverse populations in their care, promising potential for bridging disparities.

By approaching the concept of “brave spaces” as a practice that can guide the development of shared decision and trust, opportunities emerge for clinicians on the front lines witnessing medication prescribing and adherence challenges to provide guidance by considering sociocultural factors. Brave spaces also allow clinicians to bring voice to patients’ sociocultural concerns.