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.
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