About the American Psychiatric Association (APA)

The American Psychiatric Association (APA), founded in 1844, is the world’s largest psychiatric organization. It is a medical specialty society representing more than 38,000 psychiatric physicians from the United States and around the world.

Its member physicians work together to ensure humane care and effective treatment for all persons with mental disorders, including intellectual disabilities and substance use disorders.  APA is the voice and conscience of modern psychiatry. 

The mission of the APA is to:

• Promote the highest quality care for individuals with mental disorders (including intellectual disabilities and substance use disorders) and their families;
• Promote psychiatric education and research; advance and represent the profession of psychiatry; and
• Serve the professional needs of its membership.

Joining the APA...

When you join the APA, you become part of a member organization of 38,000 physicians who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental health. For over 175 years, the APA has provided the tools and resources to nurture and preserve the profession. The APA unites psychiatrists from around the world and brings together practice, education, and research at all levels. As the largest psychiatric membership organization in the world, we are dedicated to promoting the highest quality care for patients, providing continuing education and research into mental health, and advocating for psychiatrists and their profession.

To join the APA, click here.

To read about member benefits, click here.