By Robert Trestman PhD MD DLFAPA
Professor and Chair of Psychiatry at Carilion Clinic and VTC SOM
The APA Presidential Taskforce on the Future of Psychiatry was given the charge to create a road map of recommendations to lead APA’s strategic direction for psychiatric practice and research over the next decade. The work group, with broad representation, met repeatedly to develop a document that would serve this purpose.
The two broad strategic initiatives targeted: 1) Core components that establish and maintain the APA as the thought, evidence-based knowledge, and practice leader in quality mental health diagnosis and treatment; and 2) address APA’s policy development and advocacy agenda for finance/reimbursement, equity and access, public health, primary prevention, and social determinants of mental health to position the APA as the leading voice in advocating for quality patient care.
The first initiative comprises integral elements that, taken together, support the APA’s second strategic initiative to influence and shape policy, the impact of psychiatry, and the ability of psychiatrists to thrive in the coming decade.
