About Public Interest

A psychology that enhances knowledge about human welfare, promotes justice, and advances human rights for those who do not share equitably in society’s resources.

Our mission is to fulfill APA’s commitment to apply the science and practice of psychology to foster the advancement of human rights, fairness, and dignity for all segments of society.

Public Interest:

• Develops leadership skills of psychologists and other health professionals to facilitate social change;
• Diversifies the field of psychology through training and mentorship opportunities;
• Creates resources, products, and services for psychologists and other health professionals, as well as the communities they serve;
• Engages with and promotes the voices, vision, strengths, and sources of resiliency of marginalized communities;
• Fosters innovation and incubates new programs, strategies, and initiatives; and  
• Provides expertise and engages the expertise of APA elected and appointed leaders, and other APA members.

Lauren G. Sommers, JD, PhD, Head of Psychology in the Public Interest

Public Interest Portfolios 

Public Interest Executive Team 

• Governance 
• Administration and Operations 

Health Equity and Access Team 

• Health Equity 
• Socioeconomic Status  

Human Development Team 

• Aging 
• Disability Issues in Psychology 
• Children, Youth, and Families 
• ACT Program 

Human Rights Team 

• Ethnicity, Race, and Cultural Affairs 
• Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity 
• Women 
• Leadership Institute for Women in Psychology 

Minority Fellowship Team 

• Psychology Summer Institute 
• Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Fellowship 
• Interdisciplinary Minority Fellowship Program 
• Services for Transition Age Youth 
• Leadership and Education Advancement Program 
• Recovery to Practice 
• Fund for Racial /Ethnic Diversity Scholarships to enhance and empower