About AACP
Welcome to the AACP Website!
For those of you who are not familiar with the AACP, we have been in existence since 1985 and have grown from a small group of psychiatrists working in community mental health centers to an organization serving psychiatrists who work in a broad range of both traditional and nontraditional mental health settings. We have become one of the most dynamic and productive organizations in the mental health sphere, and perhaps in all of human services. As you explore our site, this will begin to become apparent to you, and if you decide to join us in our efforts with your membership, the full richness of the organization will gradually unfold before you.
You will see that we have accomplished much. But we hope to do more. It is a critical time for mental health care and our communities. We hope to strengthen our ability to effectively advocate for high quality care for everyone who suffers from mental health or chemical misuse problems. Regardless of global economic challenges, this is a commitment we must rise to.
In 2006, we developed a strategic plan that has propelled us into a new organizational stage. The plan was guided by mission and vision statements that can be viewed easily by moving your mouse and clicking! Some of the major aspects of the plan included taking on a leadership role in revitalizing the Institute for Psychiatric Services, re-establishing it as the preeminent meeting for clinicians of all disciplines working in the community. Today, we continue to advance our leadership through social enterprises such as developing a role in professional mentorship and organizational consultation for community-oriented behavioral health agencies. We are also exploring the development of a certification process in Community Psychiatry.
We are grassroots-oriented: extending our efforts to enlist active participation of our members in our committees and work groups. To accomplish this, we have streamlined our committee structure and function and are developing the use of “virtual” meeting options so that members can participate without traveling.
We are values-driven. The key to achieving our goals is an active and diverse membership invested in quality care through employing progressive psychiatric practices that accentuate interdisciplinary collaboration and alliance with consumers of behavioral health services. Please join us in our mission to inspire, empower and equip community psychiatrists to promote quality care that improves the well being of individuals and communities.
Enjoy your visit and come back soon!
Hunter McQuistion, MD
President, AACP
Autumn, 2008