Membership Categories 

Members-in-Training (MT) - Physicians who have been accepted into a psychiatric residency training program that is approved by the ACGME, RCPS(C), or AOA and remain enrolled therein. Residents enrolled in a one- year primary care training program to be followed by an approved psychiatric residency are eligible for Member-in-Training status. Your First Year of APA Dues as a Member-in-Training is waived! 

General Members (GM) - Physicians who have completed an acceptable program of training in psychiatry, and hold either a valid license to practice medicine or hold an academic, research, or governmental position that does not require licensure.  General Members may apply for Fellowship or be nominated for Distinguished Fellowship provided they meet the eligibility requirements.

APA Distinguished Fellowship Information:
Distinguished Fellowship is a national honor awarded by the APA to psychiatrists who have made and continue to make significant contributions to the profession and the community. Excellence, not mere competence, is the hallmark of the potential Distinguished Fellow. All members who meet the first criteria of eight years as a General Member should watch for notification from the IPS early in the year.
Criteria for Distinguished Fellowship:
*Eight years as an APA General Member
*Primary identification must be psychiatry for those in combined fields (e.g. psychiatry and pediatrics)
*Significant contributions in at least 5 of the areas listed below:
  - Certification by the ABPH, RCPS, or AOA;
  - Involvement in the work of the district branch or other components of the APA;
  - Involvement in other medical and professional organizations;
  - Participation in non-compensated mental health and medical activities of social significance;
  - Participation in community activities unrelated to income-producing activities;
  - Clinical contributions;
  - Administrative contributions;
  - Teaching contributions;
  - Scientific and scholarly publications
*Three letters of recommendation from current APA Distinguished Fellows

APA Fellow Information:
Members who meet the less-stringent criteria below will be notified by the APA that they are eligible to apply for the category of Fellow of the APA. Application forms will be available through the APA.
*Five consecutive years as an APA General Member
*ABPN, RCPS, or AOA certification
*Three letters of recommendation from APA Fellows or Distinguished Fellows
*Concurrence of the IPS