Ethics Office

Contact APA Ethics Office

APA Ethics Office

APA’s Ethics Office promotes ethics throughout the field of psychology and in society, addressing new ethical dilemmas as society and psychology evolve. The office offers educational programming, including continuing education; provides ethics consultations; and serves as a resource on ethics both within and beyond APA. The office supports the Ethics Committee in adjudicating ethics cases and reviewing membership applications that report preadmission unethical conduct. The Ethics Office also supports the Committee on Human Research in its mission.

The deadline for the 2026 Ethics Committee Graduate Student Ethics Writing Competition has been extended

The APA Ethics Committee is pleased to announce the 25th annual competition for a graduate student paper on psychology and ethics
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Opportunity and Challenge: The Ethical Implications of Artificial Intelligence for Consulting Psychologists

Explore AI’s benefits in consulting psychology and ethical practices to address privacy, bias, and trust
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Opportunity and Challenge: The Ethical Implications of Artificial Intelligence for Health Service Psychologists

Explore the ethical implications of artificial intelligence in healthcare, particularly in mental health

Navigating AI Ethics in Psychology with Dr. Lindsay Childress-Beatty opens in new window

APA’s chief of ethics was featured on the Beyond the Couch podcast, exploring the ethical implications of AI and psychology

FAQ on Maintaining Ethics in a Shifting National Landscape opens in new window

These FAQs focus on how psychologists can maintain a commitment to core ethical principles while adapting to societal shifts, evolving legal policies, and technological advancements
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Asked and Answered column

In this column, the Ethics Office and Committee will clarify what psychologists should do when confronted by specific ethical issues. Each installment of Asked and Answered will offer clear, practical guidance on a common ethical question
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Civil Discourse Project

This document is the culmination of efforts endorsed by the Ethics Committee and Coalition for Psychology in Schools and Education members
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Building Bridges: Fostering Respectful Conversations Using Psychological Science

This webinar will enhance the ability to engage in meaningful and respectful discussions of difficult topics in ways that reflect civility and ethical behavior

Congratulations to the 2025 winners of the APA Ethics Committee Lifetime Award for Accomplishments in Ethics Education

Tiffany Chenneville

Tiffany Chenneville, PhD

Janet T. Thomas, PsyD

Janet T. Thomas, PsyD

The APA Ethics Committee is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 Lifetime Award for Accomplishments in Ethics Education. Learn more about the outstanding careers and contributions of this year’s honorees, Tiffany Chenneville, PhD, and Janet T. Thomas, PsyD. 

Ethics FAQs on the Use of Artificial Intelligence and Social Media

The Ethics Committee provides information on ethical dilemmas confronting psychologists on the use of artificial intelligence and social media in psychology (PDF, 257KBopens in new window).

Ethics Committee Adopts Ethical Guidance on the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Health Service Psychology

The APA Ethics Committee has adopted the Ethical Guidance for AI in the Professional Practice of Health Service Psychology (PDF, 458KB)opens in new window. It was initially drafted by APA’s Mental Health Technology Advisory Committee (MHTAC) in collaboration with ethics experts and staff.

APA Ethics Committee Issues Guidance on Psychologists Commenting on Public Figures’ Mental Health

The American Psychological Association (APA) Ethics Committee has released, Ethical Considerations for Psychologists when Commenting on Public Figuresopens in new window.

While the APA Ethics Code does not mirror the American Psychiatric Association’s Goldwater Rule, it prohibits psychologists from diagnosing individuals they have not personally evaluated. The document clarifies that ethical standards apply even in informal or social media settings and under First Amendment protections.

Psychologists Shaping the Future of AI

Artificial intelligence (AI) holds great promise for advancing public health. To realize its full potential, psychologists must take the lead in applying psychological science and training to guide AI development and use. In this on-demand webinar, learn how psychology can shape the future of AI and how you can be a part of it.

Nominate someone for the 2026 Lifetime Award for Accomplishments in Ethics Education

Learn more about the Lifetime Award for Accomplishments in Ethics Education, given to someone who demonstrates ethics education across all fields of psychology, focusing on a lifetime of accomplishments in ethics education.

The APA Ethics Code

The American Psychological Association’s Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct, adopted by the APA Council of Representatives in August 2002, became effective in June 2003. Council amended the Ethics Code in 2010 and 2017. The code provides guidance for psychologists in all of their professional roles.

The APA Ethics Code

Honoring participants of the EC-EPA Joint Ethics Initiative

The participants in the Ethics Committee (EC)–Ethnic Psychological Associations (EPA) Joint Ethics Initiative (PDF, 97KB)opens in new window provided essential programming on the intersection of ethics and culture. By showcasing culturally-informed ethical perspectives that emphasized the specific cultural needs of communities of color, the EC and EPA participants demonstrated the importance of culturally-competent practice for all psychologists. The initiative highlighted the vital importance of incorporating concepts of culture and diversity within any future APA Ethics Code as critical guidance for the discipline.

Ethics Notice Available for Viewing by APA Members

APA members may log into MyAPA and view the Ethics Notice containing information regarding expulsions from APA and resignations under ethics investigation until April 30, 2026.

Members log into MyAPA.

Resources

Last updated: March 2026Date created: 2008