College and medical students are encouraged to join, learn about the exciting career opportunities available to you, find a mentor. Membership is free for students. This discount membership program is offered to current college students who are in their undergraduate or graduate degree programs. We will review all applications within 2 weeks of receiving them, and notify applicants via email if they have been awarded a free account. Please contact [email protected] for any questions. A copy of your current student schedule or a valid student ID will be required to complete the application.
Life Membership is BPA’s highest membership distinction and an honor reserved for individuals who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to the mission of Black Psychiatrists of America.
Life Members make a one-time sustaining contribution of $5,000 to help ensure BPA’s continued growth and to sustain the organization’s enduring vision. In recognition of this distinguished status, Life Members are granted a lifetime waiver of annual BPA membership dues and receive special benefits, including discounts on eligible BPA conference and programs.
To be considered for Life Membership, an individual must be a current BPA member in good standing and self-nominate by completing the Life Member Application Form. All applications are subject to review and approval by the BPA Board of Directors. Upon Board approval, the nominee must submit the $5,000 Life Membership contribution. Life Membership becomes effective upon receipt of the approved contribution.
The struggles, social conditions of Black Americans, professional experiences, and the barriers faced by black psychiatrists provided the thrust for our creation.
Since the graduation of Solomon Carter Fuller from Boston University School of Medicine in 1897, and for the next eight decades, black psychiatrists have persistently struggled to impact and effect change in American psychiatry. In the 1960s, it became increasingly evident that the traditional government and professional organizations were not responsive to the ever-evolving priorities of the African American community and their mental health needs.
Created in 1969, the founders of the BPA understood the importance of moving progressively to ensure the emotional and psychological development of African Americans, affording them the tools to cope and succeed in the face of persistent racism.
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), in response to the demands of the BPA, established the NIMH Center for Minority Group Mental Health Programs. The American Psychiatric Association (APA), the major psychiatric professional organization, was tenaciously challenged by the BPA for its apathy and neglect of psychiatric and social ills confronting African Americans.
The direction of the BPA is dictated by the growth of our organization and the present dilemmas facing African Americans. The initial and continuing philosophy is to effect change in American psychiatry for the betterment of African Americans and the country as a whole.
The mission of The Black Psychiatrists of America is to address issues affecting the mental health of African people worldwide with special emphasis on Persons of African descent in the Americas and to provide a forum for continuing education for those who provide psychiatric care to these underserved population groups.
