The Asian American Psychological Association

Abstract

This article provides an overview of the Asian American Psychological Association (AAPA). A brief history is provided, followed by current status and resources, connections to counseling psychology, and implications for the Society of Counseling Psychology and for the future of the AAPA. AAPA was created in 1972 in response to psychology’s neglect of practice and research concerns within Asian American communities and the emergence of “Asian Americans” as a political and personal identity rooted in the shared experiences of different Asian ethnic groups. Since then, the association has been at the forefront of advancing Asian American psychology and the interests of Asian American psychologists. AAPA ties with counseling psychology can be evidenced by significant overlap of professional values and goals and leading counseling psychologists actively involved in both AAPA and Division 17. The article discusses some of the existing resources within AAPA and points out existing collaborations and ideas for future collaborations with Division 17.