Below are ways in which APA has demonstrated its commitment to the concept of recovery.
APA’s Advocacy for Recovery
The following highlights how APA is making inroads in impacting the mental health field through policy and systemic change.
Arthur C. Evans, Jr., PhD, commissioneropens in new window , (PDF, 128KB) Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services, Philadelphia, testifies on Capitol Hill, March 26, 2014.
APA Resolutions
The following resolutions were passed by the Council of Representatives, APA’s highest governing body, and are now part of APA policy. Each resolution underscores the importance of using recovery-oriented principles and practices in the treatment of individuals with serious mental illness (SMI).
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Resolution on APA Endorsement of the Concept of Recovery for People with Serious Mental Illness (2009)
APA Publications
Monitor on Psychology® , APA’s monthly magazine, has featured the following articles highlighting the use of recovery oriented principles.
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Embracing recovery , by Rebecca A. Clay (October 2013)
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Redefining recovery , by Sadie Dingfelder (June 2013)
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Psychology's role in the recovery movement , by Gwendolyn Puryear Keita, PhD, APA executive director for the Public Interest (May 2012)
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The future of behavioral health care , by Rebecca A. Clay (May 2011)
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Improving access to care to prevent future tragedies , by Melba J.T. Vasquez, PhD, APA President (March 2011)
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Serious mental illness, recovery and psychology , by Ronald F. Levant, PhD, APA President (October 2005)
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'The most mentored professor around' , by Zak Stambor (February 2005)
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Filling a training gap , by Karen Kersting (January 2005)
Task Force on Serious Mental Illness and Severe Emotional Disturbance
The Task Force on Serious Mental Illness and Severe Emotional Disturbance (TFSMI/SED) was established in 1994 by the Council of Representatives. Its members work to promote the role and training of psychologists in the treatment of these populations. The TFSMI/SED has been the driving force behind most of APA’s endeavors to promote mental health recovery within psychology.
Now reporting to the Board of Professional Affairs, the task force is responsible for developing APA’s Catalog of Clinical Training Opportunities: Best Practices for Recovery and Improved Outcomes for People with Serious Mental Illnessopens in new window (PDF, 534KB) and the Proficiency for Assessment and Treatment of Serious Mental Illness.