My Benefits
Become a Fellow or Distinguished Fellow
Take the next step in your psychiatric career and become a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association.
- Fellow status is an honor that reflects your dedication to the work of the APA and signifies your allegiance to the psychiatric profession.
- You are recognized by your colleagues in the Association as a member of a very select group.
- All newly appointed Fellows are publicly recognized at the Convocation of Distinguished Fellows, which is held every year during APA’s Annual Meeting.
- You receive a lapel pin in recognition of your status.
- Annual dues rates for General Members and Fellows are the same.
What are the guidelines and criteria for eligibility?
To become a Fellow, a Member must have at least two of the following:
- Must be a current APA General Member or Life Member in good standing.
- Served in a psychiatric leadership position on a national, district branch or international psychiatric association for over five years.
- Certification by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, or the American Osteopathic Association has been held at any time..
- 30-day review period for the district branch to offer comments about the Fellowship candidate.
- Approval by the APA Membership Committee in October.
- Approval by the APA Board of Trustees in December.
How do I apply?
Fellow applications must be submitted by September 1*.
* Distinguished Fellowship nominations must be submitted by the district branch to APA by July 1. Learn more about being nominated by your District Branch to become a Distinguished Fellow by scrolling down.
Fellow applicants may apply by:
Apply Online
Are you an International Member?
Learn more about International Fellows.
Learn More
Why become a Distinguished Fellow?
Excellence, not mere competence, is the hallmark of an APA Distinguished Fellow."
Distinguished Fellowship is awarded to outstanding psychiatrists who have made significant contributions to the psychiatric profession in at least five of the following areas: administration, teaching, scientific and scholarly publications, volunteering in mental health and medical activities of social significance, community involvement, as well as for clinical excellence. Distinguished Fellow is the highest membership honor the APA bestows upon members.
What are the requirements to be nominated for Distinguished Fellow?
- Not less than eight consecutive years as a General Member or Fellow of the APA.
- Certification by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology, the Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Canada, the American Osteopathic Association or equivalent certifying board has been held at any time.
- Nomination is initiated by your local District Branch.
- Three letters supporting your nomination must be received from current Distinguished Fellows or Distinguished Life Fellows.
The General Member or Fellow should be an outstanding psychiatrist who has made significant contributions in at least five of the areas listed below:
- Certification by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology, the Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Canada, the American Osteopathic Association or equivalent certifying board.
- Involvement in the work of the district branch, chapter, and state association activities.
- Involvement in other components and activities of APA.
- Involvement in other medical and professional organizations.
- Participation in non-compensated mental health and medical activities of social significance.
- Participation in non-medical, non-income-producing community activities.
- Clinical contributions.
- Administrative contributions.
- Teaching contributions.
- Scientific and scholarly publications.
To be nominated for Distinguished Fellow status, contact your local district branch for information regarding the Distinguished Fellow process.
* Distinguished Fellowship nominations must be submitted by the district branch to APA by July 1.