Depression: A global conversation

Ahmad Kassab Alshayea, PhD, is the chairperson of the Saudi Psychological Association, and an associate professor of abnormal psychology at King Saud University’s Department of Psychology, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He obtained his PhD in health research from Lancaster University, England, and is interested in explanatory psychological models of psychological disorders, dimensional classifications of psychopathology, and clinical psychological assessment—the themes that underpin his published articles in national, regional, and international peer-reviewed journals, translations, and talks at national and international conferences.

Verónica León Ron, MSc, is a professor of psychology at the Universidad Técnica del Norte in Ibarra, Ecuador. She is a graduate of the Universidad Central del Ecuador with a master of science degree in integrative psychotherapy from the Universidad del Azuay. She is a member of the Sociedad Ecuatoriana de Psicoterapia, a branch of the World Council of Psychotherapy.

Saldin Kimangale, MSc, is a private practicing clinical psychologist at Somedics PolyClinic Health Center in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and a school counselor at Al-Muntazir International Schools, focusing on childhood traumatic experiences. He is also the coordinator of a capacity-building program for Tanzanian Psychologists run in collaboration with the Tanzanian Psychological Association (TAPA) and APA.

Lynn F. Bufka, PhD, ABPP is Associate Chief, Practice Transformation, at the American Psychological Association (APA). Her career professional focus has been on utilizing clinical science to inform programs and policies relevant to psychology practice with the ultimate aim of supporting and improving the quality of care. Bufka is an advocate for science to support practice and practice-based evidence to inform research and policy. She is board-certified in clinical psychology and maintains licensure as a psychologist in Maryland, providing treatment and clinical consultation on a limited basis.