About AASP

The American Association for Social Psychiatry (AASP) is an organization of psychiatrists interested in how social factors and psychological well-being interact, and dedicated to education and advocacy about issues in social psychiatry. This broad field encompasses increasing violence in our society and the world; the forced migrations of millions and the social trauma resulting from immigration issues; prejudice, genocide, war, and the pursuit of peace; intolerance of religious, racial, gender and cultural differences; the many effects of early childhood poverty and poverty cycles; the crisis in substance use; our relation to our planet, climate, and health; juvenile justice and prison conditions; health and economic disparities—and more.

Our responsibility to each other as social beings, beyond the usual doctor-patient realm, is the “bigger picture” of the American Association for Social Psychiatry. Our goal is to study the nature of people and their surrounding culture, to increase knowledge and awareness of issues related to the field of social psychiatry, and to use our expertise to advance the social well-being of mankind.

The educational mission of AASP is most clearly reflected in the many symposia and workshops given by AASP members at the Annual Meetings and IPS conferences of the American Psychiatric Association (APA). Our Humanitarian Award and Forum is in its seventh year. New outreach programs for our many RFM members in mentoring and training in social psychiatry is underway. As it develops in scope, our new website will serve a complementary function for all members with ready online access to references and networking in the field.

The American Association for Social Psychiatry is an affiliate organization of the American Psychiatric Association and a member of the World Association for Social Psychiatry (WASP). Payment of AASP membership includes active membership in the World Association for Social Psychiatry (WASP).