Application Process
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1. Login
Login with your APA credentials to apply.
2. Create
Create your online application. Please review the eligibility requirements before applying.
3. Save
During the Call for Nominations cycle, your nomination can be saved as DRAFT until all the required information is completed and attachments uploaded. As each section is complete, you will see a 
appear in the category tab when the nomination is saved. At any time, you can download and print your nomination by clicking on the 
icon in the Nomination Summary section.
4. Submit
On completion, save your Nomination as FINAL. Download and print a copy of your application for your records by clicking on the icon in the Application Summary section in the right column. Note: If an update is required prior to the Call for Nomination deadline, you can make the update and resave as FINAL.
If you require assistance or additional information, please contact the APA Governance at election@psych.org.
Now Accepting Nominations for the APA Board of Trustees
APA members are invited to nominate themselves or a colleague to run for office in APA’s 2027 election. APA members who serve on the Board of Trustees do important work that ultimately steers the Association and has a real-life impact on patients. The offices open for election this year are President-Elect, Secretary, Minority Underrepresented (M/UR) Trustee, Area 3 & 6 Trustees, and Resident-Fellow Member Trustee-Elect (RFMTE).
APA immediate past President Theresa Miskimen Rivera, M.D., DLFAPA, Chair of the Nominating Committee, is seeking members with the passion to serve APA and psychiatry, particularly members from minority or underrepresented groups. The goal is to have leaders of APA who reflect the diversity of the membership.
The deadline for nominations is September 1, 2026.
About the APA Board of Trustees
The American Psychiatric Association is governed by the Board of Trustees, which is composed of officers elected nationally and members elected both nationally and regionally. The power to make policy is vested in the Board; the Board's primary function is to manage the affairs of the Association and formulate and implement the policies of the Association. The Board exercises all the powers of the Association that are not otherwise assigned.
APA's Call for Volunteers
The Association's many accomplishments are made possible through the generosity of our members' time, energy, and expertise. APA President-Elect, Rahn Bailey, M.D., invites APA members to express interest in serving on an APA Council or Committee. Members who are willing to share their expertise and make a significant time commitment to serve APA, the field of psychiatry and patients, are asked to submit an application. APA members who represent the varied demographics of APA's member and patient populations are strongly encouraged to apply.
For the members whose first term serving on a Council or Committee will end on May 5, 2027, we encourage you to apply for a second term if you wish to be reappointed (these positions include Chairs, Corresponding Members, Consultants and Members). You must apply in order to be considered for reappointment.
You are ineligible to apply for a component if:
- You are not current on your APA and District Branch member dues at the time of application and at the time of appointment.
- You are a medical student.
- You are an international member.
Your experience and commitment are highly valued, and we look forward to your continued participation. The deadline for applications is Friday, November 6, 2026.
Explore the full list of councils and committees on the APA website.
Key Deadlines and Milestones
September 1 – November 6: Applications open for all Councils and Committees
December - February: Applications are reviewed, and applicants are selected for appointment
March 13-14: APA Board of Trustees approves the appointments
Week of March 15: Members are notified of their status
May 6: New Council and Committee terms begin
Micro-Volunteer Opportunities at APA
APA is excited to launch a new program to expand volunteer opportunities for our members. This initiative introduces micro-volunteering, which consists of short-term, flexible opportunities that allow members to contribute in meaningful ways without long-term commitments. These time-bound tasks enable volunteers to support the organization’s work in a way that fits their availability while making a tangible impact.The deadline for these micro-volunteer opportunities are ongoing and may vary. Please check the website for the specific opportunity you applied to in order to confirm the deadline. All applications must be submitted using this online portal by the opportunity deadline date. Incomplete submissions will not be considered.
Key Dates
Micro Volunteer ApplicationsApplications Open: Mar 15, 2026
Applications Close: Ongoing
Board Applications
Applications Open: Jul 1, 2026
Applications Close: Sep 1, 2026
Component Applications
Applications Open: Sep 1, 2026
Applications Close: Nov 6, 2026