WASHINGTON, D.C. — Among the first lines of the mission of the American Psychiatric Association (APA) is to “promote universal and equitable access to the highest quality care for all people affected by mental disorders, including substance use disorders.”

As the leading American psychiatric organization and the nation’s oldest medical society, APA is committed to promoting mental health care for all, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, national or regional origin, religious orientation and/or disability status. This commitment includes educating and advocating for the rights of everyone with mental health and substance use disorders and training the next generation of psychiatrists to provide patient-centric and culturally relevant care.

The country is facing a mental health crisis, with high rates of anxiety and depression across all age groups. Unfortunately, a disproportionate burden of mental health and substance use disorders is experienced by some in our population, including ethnoracially minoritized groups, individuals with lower socioeconomic status, veterans, the elderly, and those living in rural areas. These more vulnerable populations experience mental health inequities that result in poorer health outcomes. It is, therefore, crucial that APA continue to promote the rights and best interests of all patients, particularly those most vulnerable.

APA will continue its medical leadership to strive for equitable mental health care and to provide the best possible treatment to all patients. It will continue to seek to prepare psychiatrists to address differences in mental health outcomes in the clinical setting, ultimately leading to improved patient well-being, reduced health care costs, and a fairer system for everyone, regardless of their ethnoracial, social or economic background.

American Psychiatric Association

The American Psychiatric Association, founded in 1844, is the oldest medical association in the country. The APA is also the largest psychiatric association in the world with more than 39,200 physician members specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and research of mental illnesses. APA's vision is to ensure access to quality psychiatric diagnosis and treatment. For more information, please visit www.psychiatry.org.