The Asian American Psychological Association (AAPA) is a national professional association founded in 1972 that advances mental health, research, education, and culturally competent psychological practice for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) individuals and communities. AAPA promotes scholarship, training, public advocacy, and provider networks to reduce mental health disparities and improve culturally informed services.
Typically advocates for policies that expand mental health access and parity, increase culturally and linguistically competent care and workforce diversity, support AAPI-specific research and data disaggregation, oppose discrimination and hate violence, promote behavioral health training and licensure reforms, and seek public funding for AAPI mental health services and education.
Primarily funded by membership dues, conference and event fees, journal and publication revenue, grants and foundation awards, donations, and occasional program-specific sponsorships.
Frequently partners with the American Psychological Association and American Psychological Foundation, regional and student AAPA chapters, university research centers and community mental health organizations serving AAPI populations; notable founding leaders include Dr. Derald Wing Sue and Dr. Stanley Sue.
Non-profit professional association
