Multicultural Therapy: A Practice Imperative

Melba J. T. Vasquez, PhD, is a psychologist in independent practice in Austin, Texas. Dr. Vasquez served as the 2011 president of the American Psychological Association (APA). She has also previously served as president of the Texas Psychological Association, APA Division 35 (Society for the Psychology of Women), and APA Division 17 (Society of Counseling Psychology), as well as a term on the APA Board of Directors. She is a cofounder of APA Division 45 (Society for the Psychological Study of Culture, Ethnicity and Race) and the National Multicultural Conference and Summit. Dr. Vasquez has coauthored several books in addition to dozens of book chapters and journal articles. 

Josephine D. Johnson, PhD, has a private practice in Farmington Hills, Michigan, providing services to adolescents, adults, and families, and clinical supervision to doctoral and master's level psychologists. She also has worked as a consultant to community mental health agencies and other organizations, and as a specialist with residential treatment facilities. Dr. Johnson served on the American Psychological Association Board of Directors and in numerous groups, including the Committee for the Advancement of Professional Practice, and was chair of the Task Force on the Implementation of the Multicultural Guidelines. She was president of the Michigan Psychological Association and named its "Psychologist of the Year" in 2009, and has served as Michigan's Federal Advocacy Coordinator and as an officer of the Metro Detroit Association of Black Psychologists. Dr. Johnson has conducted numerous workshops and trainings on multiculturalism, including a cultural sensitivity retreat experience.