The American Psychiatric Association is an organization of psychiatrists working together to ensure humane care and effective treatment for all persons with mental illness, including substance use disorders. It is the voice and conscience of modern psychiatry. Its vision is a society that has available, accessible quality psychiatric diagnosis and treatment.

APA has more than 38,500 members involved in psychiatric practice, research, and academia representing the diversity of the patients for whom they care. As the leading psychiatric organization in the world, APA now encompasses members practicing in more than 100 countries.