About the Public Interest Directorate

The APA Public Interest Directorate fulfills APA's commitment to apply the science and practice of psychology to the fundamental problems of human welfare and the promotion of equitable and just treatment of all segments of society through education, training, and public policy.

The activities of the Public Interest Directorate are overseen by the Board for the Advancement of Psychology in the Public Interest. The mission of the Board for the Advancement of Psychology in the Public Interest is to encourage the generation and application of psychological knowledge on issues important to human well being.

• Promote aspects of psychology that involve solutions to the fundamental problems of human justice and equitable and fair treatment of all segments of society.

• Encourage the utilization and dissemination of psychological knowledge to advance equal opportunity and to foster empowerment of those who do not share equitably in society's resources.

• Increase scientific understanding and training in regard to those aspects that pertain to, but are not limited to, culture, class, race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, and discrimination; and to support improving educational training opportunities for all persons.

• Public Policy Office - Public Interest Advocacy

• Office on Aging

• Office on AIDS

• Children, Youth and Families Office

• Disability Issues in Psychology Office

• Office of Ethnic Minority Affairs

• Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Concerns Office

• Minority Fellowship Program

• Office on Socioeconomic Status

• Violence Prevention Office

• Women's Programs Office

• Work, Stress, and Health Office