WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Psychiatric Association (APA) today announced it had finalized the purchase of its Washington, D.C. headquarters. The APA purchased the top three floors it occupies at 800 Maine Ave., SW, which is part of the Wharf development along the Potomac River waterfront. The APA moved into its headquarters in early 2018 on a lease with the option to buy.

“The purchase of the headquarters is a wise investment for the APA and its members,” said APA President Bruce Schwartz, M.D. “This purchase increases our visibility to the general public and solidifies our position in the nation’s capital where we can best influence and advocate for the laws and policies that impact our profession and our patients.”

APA CEO and Medical Director Saul Levin, M.D., M.P.A., said: “Our return in 2018 to Washington, D.C. has been a success, simply by putting us close to the federal lawmakers and policymakers that impact mental health care.”

In addition to housing the offices of APA’s administration, APA’s headquarters include a rare books room, a member lounge and art installations highlighting the history of psychiatry in the United States.

American Psychiatric Association

The American Psychiatric Association, founded in 1844, is the oldest medical association in the country. The APA is also the largest psychiatric association in the world with more than 38,500 physician members specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, prevention and research of mental illnesses. APA’s vision is to ensure access to quality psychiatric diagnosis and treatment. For more information please visit www.psychiatry.org.