Updates on Federal Recognition of APA-CoA
On Sept. 24, the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity (NACIQI) recommended that the U.S. Department of Education (ED) suspend the American Psychological Association Commission on Accreditation’s (APA-CoA) recognition as a federally recognized accreditor for 12 months.
NACIQI is an advisory committee to ED, and it could be up to three months before the ED provides a final decision about the Commission’s federal recognition as an accreditor. The Commission continues as a federally recognized accreditor until the final decision is issued by ED.
The Commission is firmly committed to supporting the programs it accredits, their students and to the quality of psychology education and training necessary to prepare the next generation of mental health professionals. We intend to share more information as that information becomes available.
Public statement on the NACIQI recommendation
The APA Commission on Accreditation strongly disagrees with NACIQI’s recommendation to suspend its recognition and is concerned it will have a real and lasting impact on psychology programs, future psychologists, and the nation’s mental health.
Every person in every community in America deserves access to quality mental health treatment. This outcome will worsen the critical shortage of mental health professionals, making it more difficult for those in need to get the care they deserve.
Update to accredited programs
As the only federally recognized health service psychology accreditor, APA-CoA accreditation allows programs to access critical federal grant funding, including the HRSA Graduate Psychology Education (GPE) Program and the Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training (BHWET) Program.
If the NACIQI recommendation is upheld by the Secretary of Education, the APA-accredited programs currently receiving funds through these grants would no longer be eligible for them. The Commission is deeply disturbed about the very serious harm this would cause to the programs that depend on this funding and to the students and communities they serve.
Open letter to psychology students
The Commission remains committed to supporting students, their programs, and the quality of their education. Regardless of the Education Department’s final decision, CoA can and will continue accrediting programs as it remains recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
In regard to concerns raised during the NACIQI meeting, all students deserve a learning environment free from antisemitism and all other forms of discrimination.
Students who have experienced or witnessed antisemitism or other discrimination in an APA-accredited program are encouraged to submit a formal complaint to CoA so it may review and address concerns. All students are entitled to submit a complaint to CoA and remain anonymous from their programs.
Prepared remarks delivered to NACIQI
The Commission exists to protect the American public throughout this country by supporting delivery of high-quality education and training in health service psychology. Health service psychology consists of individuals who are trained in clinical, counseling, or school psychology and very often become licensed mental health professionals.
At a time when the nation faces a critical shortage of mental health professionals, the Commission is keenly aware of its obligation to expand access AND maintain an unwavering commitment to quality and rigor. Simply put: Every corner of the country deserves access to quality mental health professionals well-prepared to treat individuals from every background and with every presenting condition.
Are you experiencing discrimination or harassment in an APA-COA accredited program?
If so, file a complaint
here. Complaints must pertain directly to the program’s consistency with the APA Standards of Accreditation. For more information, consult our FAQ
here or the APA Standards of Accreditation.
Related Pages
Programs Applying for Initial Accreditation
About APA Accreditation
Programs Seeking Intent to Apply Status
Why Accreditation Matters
