American Psychological Association

American Psychological Association
Harrison Keely · CC BY 4.0 · source
Name	American Psychological Association
Formation	July 1892
Location	Washington, D.C.
Region served	United States
Membership	Over 118,000
Leader title	President
Leader name	Frank Farley
Main organ	Council of Representatives

American Psychological Association is a scientific organization that aims to advance the field of psychology through research, education, and practice. The organization was founded in July 1892 by G. Stanley Hall, with the help of William James, John Dewey, and other prominent psychologists of the time, including Mary Whiton Calkins and Edmund Sanford. The American Psychological Association has its headquarters in Washington, D.C. and has over 118,000 members, including researchers, clinicians, consultants, and students from Harvard University, Stanford University, and other institutions. The organization is led by a president, currently Frank Farley, and a Council of Representatives that includes representatives from Yale University, University of California, Berkeley, and other institutions.

● History

The American Psychological Association has a rich history that dates back to the late 19th century, with early members including Sigmund Freud, Carl Jung, and John B. Watson. The organization was founded in July 1892 at Clark University, with the goal of promoting the scientific study of psychology and improving the human condition. Over the years, the organization has grown and evolved, with notable events including the establishment of the Journal of Abnormal Psychology in 1906 and the development of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) in 1952, which was influenced by the work of Karl Menninger and Erik Erikson. The organization has also been involved in various social issues, including civil rights and women's rights, with notable figures such as Kenneth Clark and Mamie Clark contributing to the Brown v. Board of Education case.

● Organization

The American Psychological Association is a complex organization with a governance structure that includes a Council of Representatives, a Board of Directors, and various committees and task forces. The organization is divided into several directorates, including the Science Directorate, the Practice Directorate, and the Education Directorate, which work together to promote the field of psychology and support the organization's members, including those from Columbia University, University of Michigan, and other institutions. The organization also has a number of offices, including the Office of Ethnic Minority Affairs and the Office on Disability Issues in Psychology, which work to promote diversity and inclusion within the organization and the broader field of psychology, with the help of National Institute of Mental Health and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

● Publications

The American Psychological Association publishes a number of journals and books on various topics related to psychology, including clinical psychology, cognitive psychology, and social psychology. Some of the organization's most notable publications include the Journal of Abnormal Psychology, the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, and the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, which are widely read by researchers and practitioners from University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and other institutions. The organization also publishes a number of books and manuals, including the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, which are widely used by psychologists and other mental health professionals from American Psychiatric Association and National Alliance on Mental Illness.

● Divisions

The American Psychological Association has a number of divisions that represent different areas of psychology, including clinical psychology, cognitive psychology, and social psychology. Some of the organization's most notable divisions include Division 1: General Psychology, Division 2: Teaching of Psychology, and Division 3: Experimental Psychology, which are led by psychologists from University of California, Los Angeles, New York University, and other institutions. The organization also has a number of special interest groups and sections, including the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues and the Society for the Psychology of Women, which work to promote social justice and feminism within the organization and the broader field of psychology, with the help of American Sociological Association and National Organization for Women.

● Accreditation

The American Psychological Association is responsible for accrediting graduate programs in psychology, including clinical psychology, counseling psychology, and school psychology programs. The organization's accreditation process involves a thorough review of a program's curriculum, faculty, and clinical training opportunities, with the help of Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs and National Council on Accreditation of Teacher Education. The organization also provides accreditation for postdoctoral programs and internship programs, which are designed to provide advanced training in psychology and prepare psychologists for licensure and certification, with the help of Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards and National Register of Health Service Psychologists.

● Policy_and_Advocacy

The American Psychological Association is involved in a number of policy and advocacy efforts, including lobbying for mental health legislation and regulations. The organization works to promote social justice and human rights, with a particular focus on issues related to mental health, education, and healthcare, with the help of American Medical Association, National Education Association, and other organizations. The organization also provides testimony and expert opinion on various policy issues, including gun control, immigration reform, and LGBTQ+ rights, with the help of National Rifle Association, American Civil Liberties Union, and other organizations. Additionally, the organization works to promote diversity and inclusion within the field of psychology, with a particular focus on issues related to race, ethnicity, and disability, with the help of National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, League of United Latin American Citizens, and other organizations.