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.
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.
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.
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 Statement on the Cancellation of Grants by the National Science Foundation
- APA Services calls for robust funding for the National Institutes of Health
- Statement on HHS Staffing Reductions
- APA Statement on Proposed Cuts to SAMHSA
- Letter to the researchers, educators, and academics of the USA
- Letter to APA Members and Psychologists
Policy Insights
Medicaid
Proposed federal cuts of more than $800 billion to Medicaid funding jeopardize access to behavioral health services for millions of vulnerable Americans.
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.