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.
Statement on Mental Health Parity
APA joined with five leading mental health and substance use disorder advocacy organizations to express concerns about actions that may deprive many Americans of much needed mental health and substance use disorder care.
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APA Calls for Transparency and Review in Agency Staffing Reductions
On May 8, 2025, APA led more than 75 scientific, research, public health, and academic organizations in urging greater transparency and congressional oversight of government agency staffing reductions, highlighting risks to critical public services.
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APA Statement on Access to Treatment for Transgender, Gender Diverse, and Nonbinary People
In response to the release of the HHS Review of Medical Interventions for Children and Adolescents with Gender Dysphoria on May 1, 2025, APA released the following statement:
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A Call for Constructive Engagement on Higher Education
APA joined more than 400 higher education leaders in signing a statement urging constructive engagement with the government that would strengthen higher education in the U.S.
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APA Statement on the Cancellation of Grants by the National Science Foundation
In response to the termination of grants by the National Science Foundation, APA issued a statement underscoring the risks of ending research related to historically marginalized groups.
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APA Services calls for robust funding for the National Institutes of Health
APA Services has joined over 500 organizations in a letter to Congress calling for $51.3 billion in NIH funding for FY 2026 amid substantial changes to the agency.
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Statement on HHS Staffing Reductions
APA joined with other leading national mental health and substance use organizations to respond to the announcement of drastic staffing cuts at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
APA Statement on Proposed Cuts to SAMHSA
APA joined with other leading national mental health and substance use organizations to respond to the announcement of drastic staffing cuts at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Letter to the researchers, educators, and academics of the USA
APA coordinated a letter with nearly 50 other scientific organizations reiterating their commitment to supporting, elevating, and fighting for science and those who further it.
Read the letter and view the shareable post on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook.
Advocacy leads to key win for psychology training programs
APA Services secured an exemption from the federal hiring freeze for Federal Bureau of Prisons psychology training programs, allowing them to fill positions this year. This major win resulted from a collaborative effort between APA Services and APA members in Division 18 (Psychologists in Public Service) as well as select experts with deep experience working as psychologists in the correctional system.
Supporting federal programs vital to graduate psychology education access
APA Services, Inc. is uniting the health education community to advocate for continued federal support for doctoral psychology education, including doctoral psychology degrees.
Policy Insights
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.
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.
Misinformation
NSF's termination of misinformation research grants has concerning implications for multiple areas critical to psychological science, practice, public health, and education.
Autism
Recent statements from HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. contradict scientific consensus and potentially threaten essential research, services, and supports for autistic people.
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.
Immigrant Populations
Recent actions and future policies on immigration have the potential to cause negative societal impact and significant psychological harm for immigrant communities.
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.
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.
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.