About APA
APA is the leading scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States, with more than 157,000 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants, and students as its members.
Our work
Our mission is to promote the advancement, communication, and application of psychological science and knowledge to benefit society and improve lives. We do this by:
- Utilizing psychology to make a positive impact on critical societal issues.
- Elevating the public’s understanding of, regard for, and use of psychology.
- Preparing the discipline and profession of psychology for the future.
- Strengthening APA’s standing as an authoritative voice for psychology.
APA Strategic Plan
APA is positioning our field to play a leading role in addressing the grand challenges of today and the future. The strategic plan—originally adopted in February 2019 by APA’s Council of Representatives—enables us to focus the association’s efforts toward maximizing the impact we can have on complex issues facing the field of psychology and broader society. The plan was revised and adopted by Council in February 2024.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
APA is committed to infusing the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) into all aspects of the work we do. Our EDI framework is a foundational tool to create substantive, transformative, and sustainable change within APA, across the psychology profession, and throughout broader society. The framework was collaboratively shaped by our volunteer leaders, governance, and staff.
Leadership Development Institute at APA
The Leadership Development Institute at APA is the new central hub for APA’s leadership development, mentoring, and training programs. The Institute is more than a collection of basic and bespoke training and mentorship programs - it's a powerful force for change, dedicated to uniting APA's existing leadership initiatives, pioneering groundbreaking new programming, and fostering meaningful mentorship and training opportunities under one dynamic banner.
Publications and resources
Governance and senior staff
Volunteer governance members play a key role in the direction and completion of APA’s advocacy, publishing, member service, and more.
- Council of Representatives, which has the sole authority to approve policy and appropriate the association’s revenue.
- Board of Directors, elected by the membership to be the administrative agent of the Council of Representatives.
- APA President, elected annually by the membership to serve as the face of the association.
- Committees, boards, and task forces which focus on particular issues in the field.
APA at a glance
Definition of “Psychology”
Psychology is a diverse discipline, grounded in science, but with nearly boundless applications in everyday life. Some psychologists do basic research, developing theories and testing them through carefully honed research methods involving observation, experimentation, and analysis. Other psychologists apply the discipline’s scientific knowledge to help people, organizations, and communities function better.
As psychological research yields new information, whether it’s improved interventions to treat depression or how humans interact with machines, these findings become part of the discipline’s body of knowledge and are applied in work with patients and clients, in schools, in corporate settings, within the judicial system, even in professional sports.
Psychology is a doctoral-level profession. Psychologists study both normal and abnormal functioning and treat patients with mental and emotional problems. They also study and encourage behaviors that build wellness and emotional resilience. Today, as the link between mind and body is well-recognized, more and more psychologists are teaming with other health care providers to provide whole-person health care for patients.
