Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Asian American Mental Health Advocacy
Founded in 1972, the Asian American Psychological Association (AAPA) has dedicated over five decades to advancing the mental health and well-being of Asian American communities through research, professional practice, education, and policy advocacy. Our organization was established by pioneering psychologists who recognized the critical need for culturally informed mental health services and research specific to Asian American experiences. With a membership of nearly 400 professionals, we have consistently advocated for the inclusion of Asian American subgroups in national data collection efforts and fought against discriminatory policies affecting our communities. Our work encompasses the development of groundbreaking psychological theories and frameworks, the publication of peer-reviewed research in the Asian American Journal of Psychology, and the provision of culturally competent clinical training programs. We maintain a national presence through annual conventions that bring together psychologists, researchers, and community workers to share insights and strategies for addressing mental health disparities.Our leadership has played pivotal roles in shaping multicultural psychology initiatives at the highest levels of the American Psychological Association. Through our Provider Directory, we connect Asian Americans with culturally aware mental health professionals, ensuring access to tailored treatment approaches. Our policy advocacy efforts focus on institutional reforms that address systemic barriers to mental health care access. With nine specialized divisions addressing diverse community needs, we continue to expand our impact through educational programs, mentorship opportunities, and community-engaged scholarship. Our organization remains at the forefront of efforts to integrate Asian American perspectives into mainstream psychological practice and research.
Services
Mental health research
Professional training
Policy advocacy
Cultural competency education
Community resource programs
Details
- Year established: 1972
Highlights and features
- We have over 50 years of experience in Asian American mental health research and advocacy.
- Our organization develops culturally informed psychological theories and practice frameworks.
- We host annual conventions connecting mental health professionals nationwide.
- Our peer-reviewed journal advances cutting-edge research in Asian American psychology.
- We maintain a Provider Directory connecting communities with culturally competent clinicians.
Services
Mental health research
Our organization advances Asian American psychology through empirical research published in the Asian American Journal of Psychology. We develop theoretical frameworks that address cultural factors impacting mental health outcomes. Our research initiatives focus on improving understanding of community-specific mental health challenges and developing evidence-based interventions tailored to diverse Asian American populations.
Professional training
We provide training programs and mentorship opportunities for mental health professionals working with Asian American communities. Our initiatives include leadership development programs and specialized training in culturally competent care. Through annual conventions and workshops, we offer continuing education credits and skill-building opportunities for psychologists at all career stages.
Policy advocacy
Our advocacy efforts focus on institutional changes to improve mental health care access for Asian Americans. We work with policymakers to address systemic barriers and promote culturally responsive mental health policies. Our organization has been instrumental in advocating for the inclusion of Asian American subgroups in national health data collection efforts.
Cultural competency education
We develop educational resources to enhance cultural competence among mental health professionals. Our training programs address specific needs of diverse Asian American communities, including immigrant populations and multiracial individuals. We provide tools for practitioners to deliver more effective, culturally informed mental health services.
Community resource programs
Our Provider Directory connects Asian Americans with culturally aware mental health professionals. We offer specialized resources for addressing community mental health challenges, including bullying prevention programs and crisis response materials. Our initiatives focus on increasing access to culturally appropriate mental health services across diverse populations.
People
Christine Catipon
President
Dr. Christine Catipon leads the Asian American Psychological Association's strategic initiatives to advance mental health equity. With extensive experience in community psychology, she focuses on expanding access to culturally competent care and strengthening policy advocacy efforts. Her leadership emphasizes collaboration across professional sectors to address systemic mental health disparities.
Derald Wing Sue
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Derald Wing Sue is a renowned expert in multicultural psychology and microaggressions. As a past president of the Asian American Psychological Association, he has significantly shaped multicultural competency standards in psychological practice. His research focuses on racial trauma and culturally responsive therapeutic approaches.
Helen Hsu
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Helen Hsu brings extensive experience in community mental health and outreach initiatives. As former president of the Asian American Psychological Association, she has championed mental health equity through education and prevention programs. Her work focuses on trauma-informed care and culturally responsive mental health services for marginalized communities.
Questions
What is the Asian American Psychological Association's primary mission?
Our mission is to advance the mental health and well-being of Asian American communities through research, professional practice, education, and policy advocacy.
How can I access culturally competent mental health providers?
Our Provider Directory connects Asians and Asian Americans with culturally aware mental health professionals through an online search platform.
What educational resources do you offer for mental health professionals?
We provide training programs, mentorship opportunities, and annual conventions featuring workshops on culturally competent care for Asian American communities.
How can I get involved with the organization?
You can join as a member, participate in our divisions, attend annual conventions, or contribute to our peer-reviewed journal publications.
What policy initiatives does AAPA prioritize?
We advocate for institutional reforms to improve mental health care access, including data collection improvements and culturally responsive policy changes.
Where are your annual conventions held?
Our annual conventions rotate locations across the United States, with the 2025 event scheduled in Denver, Colorado.
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