American Psychiatric Association

The American Psychiatric Association is the national medical specialty society for psychiatry in the United States, with headquarters in Washington, DC and a membership base of psychiatric physicians. It serves psychiatrists and the broader mental health field through official position statements, clinical guidance, journals, and public policy communications. Its core activity is to represent psychiatry in clinical, professional, and policy discussions affecting mental health care.

APA has an explicit, cautious stance on psychedelics and empathogens in mental health care. Its 2022 position statement says there is not yet adequate scientific evidence to endorse use outside approved investigational studies, while supporting continued research under strong scientific and regulatory standards. In 2024 APA also submitted comments to FDA on MDMA and in 2026 it publicly welcomed federal investment in psychedelic research while reiterating the need for controlled studies and patient protections.