The Patient Advocacy Award, established in 1987, recognizes a public figure respected for personal accomplishments and beliefs, who has promoted the improvement of services for people coping with mental disorders and substance abuse, and who has fought stigma by speaking out about experiences with mental illness and psychiatric treatment.

Program Benefits

Plaque, Award lecture

Criteria / Eligibility

• A public figure known for representing the needs and interests of people with mental illness and substance use disorders
• A successful record of influencing public policy and/or public opinion
• Effective promotion of availability and improved quality of services for people coping with mental disorders and substance abuse
• A record of fighting stigma by speaking out about experiences with mental illness and psychiatric treatment

Nomination / Application Details

The APA's President will identify the nominee based on the above mentioned criteria.

Deadline

Not Applicable

Notification

The awardee will be notified by January of the following year.

Award Presentation

Presented in a lecture at the APA Annual Meeting.

Contact

The Office of Scientific Programs
[email protected]