The American Psychiatric Association, founded in 1844, is the world’s largest psychiatric organization.  It is a medical specialty society representing psychiatric physicians from the United States and around the globe.  Its members share a common interest in the continuing study of psychiatry and the search for more effective ways to combat mental illnesses.  As physicians, psychiatrists are concerned with the medical diagnosis and treatment for all persons with mental disorders, including intellectual disabilities and substance-related disorders.  

The Association is governed by the Board of Trustees. The Bylaws of the Association vest the Board of Trustees with the authority to make policy, manage the affairs of the Association and to formulate and implement the policies of the Association.  The Board is comprised of national and regional officers and trustees elected by the membership. 

The Assembly is the entity representing the individual members in the affairs of the Association.  It is comprised of representatives from the Association’s district branches who are elected by the members of the district branches.

The Joint Reference Committee is a standing committee of the Board of Trustees that acts as a liaison and screening mechanism for the Board, the Assembly, and the Association’s components.  It refers issues for study to various components and coordinates their recommendations for further consideration by the Board and the Assembly.

The Components of the Association are the Councils and the committees and task forces which report to the Councils.