About California Psychiatric Association

The CPA is a state level non-profit organization whose member psychiatrists are medical doctors specializing in comprehensive care of individuals with mental and emotional disorders that stem from biological and psychosocial causes.

Mission Statement

The California Psychiatric Association (CPA) was founded in 1961 and is responsible for carrying out legislative, regulatory, judicial, educational, advocacy, and public affairs activities on behalf of organized psychiatry in California. CPA hires legislative advocates to work with the California legislature, State regulatory agencies, and administrative agencies to ensure that patients with psychiatric disorders will have access to high quality medically necessary treatment. CPA's legislative activities have included obtaining parity for mental illness, advocating for better regulation of managed care activities, and lobbying against inappropriate expansion of scope of practice for inadequately qualified mental health disciplines. CPA also works with the California Medical Association, patient and family advocacy groups, and other State organizations on issues of mutual concern and interest.

What are the Advantages of Membership?

The association helps meet the needs of California psychiatric physicians
in several ways:

• By representing psychiatric physicians in state governmental affairs and, through the American Psychiatric Association, in federal governmental affairs;
  
• By presenting several educational and practice-related meetings each year;
  
• By providing educational information to the public about psychiatry and by promoting the appropriate utilization of psychiatric physicians;
  
• By identifying, prioritizing and acting on areas of need of psychiatric physicians in all sectors in which they practice, serve or are employed;
  
• By providing statewide communication through their newsletter and other publications;
  
• By facilitating communication with other professional and non- professional organizations with overlapping or allied interests in mental health and the care of the mentally ill as well as facilitating constructive communication with the various media.
  
• NEED MORE REASONS? Read What CPA Has Done For You Lately

History of the California Psychiatric Association

The California Psychiatric Association (CPA) began in May 1961 as the Council for Coordinating the California District Branches (DBs). Later that year the name was changed to the Interbranch Committee of the California District Branches of the APA. Its focus was on legislative activities. The executive power rested in the presidents of the then three District Branches. In 1963, the decision was made for a single moderator elected by the Council members, with ongoing in influence continued through District Branch members on the Council. Next, it was known as the Association of California District Branches.

With support from APA, this Association in the 1970s evolved into Area VI, operating under a Procedural Code of the Assembly of District Branches as the California Psychiatric Association/Area VI of the APA. Officers continued to be elected by the Council. The number of DB representatives for the now five District Branches of the California Psychiatric Association was enlarged. By 1988, election of officers was at large by members of the five DBs after nomination by the CPA Council.

In 1992, the CPA was incorporated in Delaware. The members of the Corporation are the voting members of the Council. CPA may request dues from the District Branches according to the number of their dues paying members.

CPA Governance

The CPA elects officers every two years in a statewide election. The Treasurer/Secretary and President Elect serve for two year terms with the President Elect moving up to serve an additional two years as President. The California Psychiatric Association election is conducted by each of the District Branches in conjunction with the DB election so members will receive their ballots at various times, depending upon the district branch schedule for elections.