"A fundamental task of orthopsychiatry is the study of the behavior of the total
personality and its integration in varied, perplexing, and traumatic total life situations."
- Lawson Lowrey, MD (1948, p.1)

The American Orthopsychiatric Association ("Ortho") provides a common ground for collaborative study, research, and knowledge exchange among individuals from a variety of disciplines engaged in preventive, treatment, and advocacy approaches to mental health. The range of socially concerned mental health disciplines represented by the Ortho viewpoint is vast.  Professionals from psychology, psychiatry, social work, nursing, epidemiology, public health, education, law, justice studies and other allied disciplines converge in Ortho.  Such ongoing collaboration reflects a long-held Ortho value: "no single viewpoint is able to account for the vicissitudes of behavior."

Ortho's goal from the beginning has been prevention, particularly in community settings, based on the belief that fostering mental health in family, school and community contexts will reduce risk for mental disorder.  In the 21st century, Ortho has placed particular emphasis on the protection of human rights, internationally recognized as a major strategy to prevent mental disorders.  Indeed, in the face of rapid globalization, Ortho continues to boldly affirm the importance - and complexity - of understanding how aspects of the social and cultural context affect mental health and well-being.  This value is clear in the ways that Ortho fosters development of theory, practice, research, and social action, from psychological, biological, social and cultural perspectives. In the interest of informing professional practice and public policy, Ortho facilitates a shared commitment to scholarship and clinical expertise. 

Today, Ortho continues to provide a forum and voice for like-minded professionals concerned with mental health and social justice.  Through receipt of the American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, free or low-cost access to high quality continuing education programs, and receipt of information about stimulating meetings and symposia, Ortho provides members with a myriad of opportunities to gain new knowledge and improve their practice.  Ortho also conducts a vital awards program that recognizes distinguished individuals and students who are exemplars of Ortho values.  Ortho also provides members with a venue for participation in task forces related to critical issues in the mental health and social justice fields and to join in coalition with other organization in policy advocacy efforts.

If you are not already a member, click here to join Ortho today!

History

It all began in 1923, when a small group of psychiatrists with a common cause - to unite the work force of those engaged in the study and treatment of human behavior - blended the prefix "Ortho" (from the Greek "to straighten") with "psychiatry". Since its founding, Ortho has been a leader in advocating for a “simple but revolutionary idea: The mental health of individuals depends on their social context.”

Over the years through annual meetings, publications, interest groups, and other activities, Ortho has applied a multidisciplinary perspective to a broad range of issues affecting children, adolescents, adults, families, schools, community mental health, and life span development. A review of the first 50 years of Ortho reveals "the proudest characteristics of this Association and its Journal: a consistent commitment to the least fortunate members of society, both in terms of clinical services to individuals and a leadership for social change.” This commitment continues today.

Traditionally and characteristically, Ortho has been at the forefront of new approaches to enduring problems: it has provided a scholarly platform for new theories and modalities. Family therapy, group therapy, the community mental health movement and a range of initiatives in services and treatment for children were born in Ortho. Ortho's members embody a breadth of viewpoints and perspectives that cannot be incorporated in any single discipline or orientation. Ortho is proud to celebrate its exemplary legacy as a pioneer for socially concerned practice, training and scholarship in the mental health disciplines, even while it continues to forge new directions in the 21st century.

Ortho welcomes you as a member!

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