APA/APASI Response Center

Protecting the integrity of psychological science and knowledge to benefit society and improve lives

APA is committed to being a resource and support for you, our members, as you navigate these recent and proposed policy changes. We are closely monitoring developments and mobilizing our resources and relationships to protect the field and all those you serve through your work. We are here as your association to support you. 

Advancing and Protecting Psychology

Explore how APA is working to advance and protect the discipline by advocating for evidence-based policies that support psychology, psychologists, and the communities they serve.

Take Action

Psychology needs you to make your voice heard on the critical issues facing the field today. Sharing your expertise will help lawmakers establish priorities, improve decision-making, and resolve policy differences.

Stay Informed

Stay up-to-date on how APA Services, Inc., is working to advance the discipline and practice of psychology on Capitol Hill and beyond.

Policy Insights

Medicaid

UPDATE: Federal cuts of $1 trillion over 10 years to Medicaid jeopardize access to behavioral health services for millions of vulnerable Americans.

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Access to Care

Recent federal actions could substantially reduce access to mental health care and substance use disorder services amid escalating nationwide mental health needs.

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Gender-Diverse Populations

Updated May 1, 2025: Recent actions that impact policies related to biological sex and gender diversity risk causing significant harm to people whose gender identity differs from their biological sex assigned at birth.

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Misinformation

NSF's termination of misinformation research grants has concerning implications for multiple areas critical to psychological science, practice, public health, and education.

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Autism

Recent statements from HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. contradict scientific consensus and potentially threaten essential research, services, and supports for autistic people.

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Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Recent developments impacting EDI policies, programs, and initiatives are presenting challenges to science, psychological well-being, and equitable access to mental health care for all individuals.

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Immigrant Populations

Recent actions and future policies on immigration have the potential to cause negative societal impact and significant psychological harm for immigrant communities.

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Reproductive Health Care Access

Recent actions that could severely limit access to reproductive health care may have direct, negative consequences for both physical and mental well-being.

Patient Confidentiality and Privacy

A recent policy change requiring most federal employees to return to the office, including VA psychologists and other mental health care providers, is significantly impacting the delivery of confidential mental and behavioral health services.

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Federal Databases and Datasets

Recent actions to restrict availability of federal data have undermined scientific integrity and weakened the scientific infrastructure that supports the foundation of knowledge and progress in society.

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Federal Grants and Assistance

Recent actions and administrative delays have disrupted the review and distribution of federal research funding, posing significant implications for psychology-related research and institutions.

Ways You Can Help

How Are Policy Changes Impacting You?

Rapidly shifting policy proposals threaten psychology practice, research, and training. We're fighting for you, but we need your help! Tell us how funding changes and policy shifts are affecting your work, education, research and ability to serve your community. Your stories are essential to help us advocate effectively for the profession and those we serve.

Educating Partners and the Media

We are in regular touch with our coalition partners, policymakers, and reporters to share resources. Sometimes we may speak out publicly, often we will leverage our relationships with key members of Congress and the executive branch, or educate reporters behind the scenes. If you feel you have expertise that might be needed, submit your information to our media referral database so APA staff can share your name with reporters as an expert.