Psychiatric Associations

Organizations whose members are psychiatrists who have affiliated for the purpose of promoting mutual interests, participating in mental health seminars and conferences, networking with their peers, subscribing to mental health journals and other publications, and taking advantage of other opportunities for continuing professional development. Many psychiatric associations set standards which relate to the qualifications and performance of members, may accept and investigate complaints from the public regarding the practices of members, may assist members who are having difficulty with their employers, may maintain referral services through which residents who require psychiatric services are referred to members, and may act as advocates for the recipients of their services and for desired social change.