Established in 1934, the Mental Health Section supports research, policy and practice that addresses the mental health, physical health and well-being of diverse and vulnerable populations.
We are committed to develop, foster and advocate for research, policy and practice that supports the mental health, physical health and well-being of diverse and vulnerable populations.
Our Members
We are cross-sector and multidisciplinary, including members who started and developed our country’s public mental health field, in addition to students and early career professionals who continue this tradition of leadership.
Our members include students and professionals located in 45 states and 17 countries, applying our expertise and talents in 30 fields of study to behavioral health. Members work at local, regional and national levels in roles addressing research (60%), policy (15%), advocacy (10%) and practice (15%).
Our Work
When and how people experience mental health challenges is influenced by the interaction of genetics, culture and social determinants. With this in mind, we encourage research, policies and practices that speak to prevention, health promotion, social justice and human rights.
We seek to:
- Disseminate research, policies and practices that address the mental health, physical health, and well-being of diverse and vulnerable populations.
- Offer opportunities for section members to network, build careers, and impact the public health of regional, state and national communities.
- Promote fluency with the principles and strategies of population health.
- Support the use of traditional, mixed-methods, and community participatory research.
- Advocate for effective and evidence-based interventions, programs, systems and policies, including strategies designed to address the stigma of mental health conditions.
Member Benefits
As a member of our Section, you can help grow our legacy in public health practice! We offer many opportunities to get involved, such as joining Section leadership, collaborating with other organizations and partners, influencing APHA policies and priorities, reviewing abstracts and presenting your research at the APHA Annual Meeting.
Join Us!
Your participation is vital to our continued success. Become an active member of the Section when you join APHA. If you are already an APHA member, you can join as your second Section for no additional cost by updating your member profile.
Attend Events
Check out the APHA calendar for upcoming Section events and browse our sessions at the 2024 APHA Annual Meeting and Expo.
Visit on APHA LEAD
Members can visit us on APHA LEAD to learn about upcoming events, join in discussions with other Section members, and access our Section’s resource library.
Follow on Social Media
Find us on X, Instagram, Facebook and our members-only MH section on Facebook to receive up-to-date information on Section happenings as well as professional development opportunities.
Contribute
Support our efforts by making a donation.