What’s New at the APA

• APA released a statement in the wake of the passage of H.R. 2617, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 applauding bipartisan investment in mental health by Congress. Provisions in H.R. 2617 provide for significant funding, grants and technical assistance for collaborative care, workforce growth, health equity and critical mental health and SUD programs under SAMHSA. It also includes APA supported regulatory measures around telehealth flexibility and parity compliance. You can learn more about H.R. 2617 and read the full statement here.
• APA has been accredited as a provider of interprofessional continuing education (IPCE) allowing the organization to simultaneously serve multiple professions like physicians, nurses, psychologists, social workers and other health care professionals. APA joins major medical schools, national medical associations, hospitals and other medical education organizations that have been awarded this accreditation status. You can read more about what this accreditation means for APA’s ability to provide CME and more about joint accreditation here.
• More than a quarter of Americans (26%) anticipate experiencing more stress to begin the new year, according to the December 2022 Healthy Minds Monthly Poll. A significant portion of Americans are concerned about their mental health heading into 2023, which 29% indicating they would adopt New Year’s resolutions related to mental health. 37% of those polled rated their mental health as only fair or poor, up from 31% a year ago. You can see the latest poll results and learn more about sources of stress and anxiety for Americans here.

Visit APA’s Newsroom for the latest news releases, statements, blogs, monthly public opinion poll results, and other information.

APA Communications Monthly Themes: January 2023

APA’s office of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs (CCPA) has developed monthly themes that serve as conceptual anchors for APA communications efforts each month. January 2023 will focus on Mental Health New Year’s Resolutions. Visit APA’s social channels to participate in the conversation each month.

Animated Explainer Videos on Common Disorders

APA has developed a series of animated explainer videos on commonly searched mental disorders and other conditions related to mental health. The videos cover topics including OCD, Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, and Climate Change, among others. You can see all of the videos in English here, and in Spanish here. Be sure to subscribe to APA’s YouTube Channel as new videos on other topics and disorders are added on a regular basis.

Briefs for Your Newsletter

January Course of the Month – Psychopharmacology Master Class: The Art of Psychopharmacology

This course will explore evidence-based practice, addressing the science of the art of psychopharmacology, the importance of the doctor-patient relationship, the importance of a patient-centered evaluation, how a deeper understanding of the patient may help guide prescribing decisions, as well as some common errors in prescribing that may undermine effective treatment.

Click here to access the Course of the Month and sign up for updates about this free member benefit.

Coming in January: What Happens When the Public Health Emergency Ends?

Since March 2020, psychiatrists have been practicing under flexibilities granted by state and federal governments. These flexibilities were intended to ensure access to care during the Public Health Emergency (PHE). APA members are invited to participate in a webinar on Wednesday, January 11, at 1 p.m. ET that will describe the changes that will take place once the PHE ends and how psychiatrists can continue to practice in a way that meets their patients’ needs. Register

Get Ready to Vote in APA Elections

You can help chart the course for the future of APA and psychiatry by voting in APA Elections. Make an informed choice by viewing candidate bios, reading the 2023 candidate guide, and watching the “Meet the Candidates” town hall series. Voting for APA Elections opens on January 3 and continues through January 31. You can find more information, including the full election schedule, on APA’s elections page.

Save the date for APA’s 2023 Annual Meeting!

Next year we’re back in the “Golden Gate City” San Francisco, on May 20-24, for an exciting four days of mental health programming. There will also be an online option available to conveniently connect you from your home or office to the premier psychiatry event of the year. Early registration opens in early January. http://www.psychiatry.org/annualmeeting

Applications for APA/APAF Fellowships are open

APAF Fellowships provide psychiatry residents the experiential learning, training, and professional development they need to become leaders in the field of psychiatry. Learn more about our fellowships, including how to apply, application and eligibility requirements, deadlines, and additional program benefits at apafdn.org/futureleaders

Now Accepting Session and Poster Submissions For MHSC

Want to present new research or host a session in Washington, D.C.? Submissions are now invited for the 2023 Mental Health Services Conference! The Scientific Program Committee encourages all members of the care team to submit for the opportunity to share their work. Submissions will close on Thursday, March 2, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. ET.