Become a Fellow of the APA

Why become a Fellow / International Fellow of the APA

The Fellow (FAPA) and International Fellow(IFAPA) statuses are an honor that reflects your dedication to the work of the APA and signifies your allegiance to the psychiatric profession.
You are recognized by your colleagues in the Association as a member of a very select group.
All newly appointed Fellows and International Fellows are publicly recognized at the Convocation of Fellows and Distinguished Fellows, which is held every year during APA's Annual Meeting.
You receive a lapel pin in recognition of your status.
Annual dues rates for membership remain the same.

What are the guidelines and criteria for eligibility?

To become a Fellow, a Member must have at least two of the following:

Must be a current APA General Member or Life Member in good standing for at least three years.
Served in a psychiatric leadership position on a national, district branch or international psychiatric association for over five years.
Is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, or the American Osteopathic Association.

There is a 30-day review period for the district branch to offer comments about the Fellowship candidate.

To become an International Fellow, you must be:

A current APA International Member in good standing, with three (3) years of APA membership OR
Three (3) years as a Member/ Fellow in good standing of either:
Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Psychiatrists,
Royal College of Psychiatrists (UK), or
Your national or local psychiatric organization. A letter of verification on the organization's letterhead is required. The letter must be in English or a certified translation.
Board certification in psychiatry or equivalent if certification exists in your country.

Individuals from countries against which the United States Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control has issued comprehensive sanctions (including Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria and the Crimea Region of Ukraine) are eligible to receive information and informational materials only, as allowed by the exemptions within the relevant OFAC sanctions programs and are ineligible to apply for these designations.

Application Period starts annual in Mid-February with a deadline of September 1st.

Approval by the APA Membership Committee takes place in in the fall, and approval by the APA Board of Trustees takes place in December.

Learn more about the process and how to apply here.