Mad in America

2024 marks the publication of the Mad Studies Reader, a book that brings together writing and artwork from service users, daring activists, critical scholars, concerned clinicians, and innovative artists! As people excluded from mainstream definitions of mental health and mental health care are increasingly finding ways to get their voices heard, the Mad Studies Reader explores this progress and presents us with hope as well as awareness of the challenges that lie ahead as we collectively work to build a world that embraces rather than divides.

Join IDHA as we celebrate the launch of this groundbreaking book and the increasing solidarity and excitement around mad studies and allied fields. This celebration is organized to bring artists, scholars, clinicians, and activists together. We will start with an opening discussion of the term “mad studies” followed by panel presentations from each of these areas. Before each panel we will have presentations from the artists in the book. After each section we will have discussions in large and small group settings. We look forward to having you learn and journey with us as we come together to explore mad studies as a field of inquiry, a framework for transformation, and a movement for social change!