Subscription is free to members. Other interested parties may obtain copies of the newsletter upon request. Please send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to:

Frances Roton
Community Psychiatrist
P.O. Box 570218
Dallas, TX 75357-0218

Tel: (972) 686-5227
Email: frdal@airmail.net

The American Association of Community Psychiatrists (AACP) was formed in October 1984. The impetus came from a group of community psychiatrists who began sharing their interests and concerns at the May 1984 American Psychiatric Association Meeting and at many local psychiatric meetings. We found that community psychiatrists are a concerned, dedicated, energetic, and underrepresented group. Our concerns had not been adequately addressed in other professional organizations, which often had other priorities.

The AACP has the following purposes:

• Promote and maintain excellence in the care of patients through the organization of psychiatrists practicing community mental health on state, regional and national levels.

• Help clarify and solve mutual problems commonly encountered by psychiatrists in community settings.

• Inform and educate the public about the role of the community health system in the care of the mentally ill.

• Establish liaisons with related professional organizations to advocate for relevant public policy issues.

• Promote cooperation between psychiatrists and other professional, paraprofessional, and consumer groups involved in mental health care.

• Encourage training and research in psychiatry which will increase the number of committed psychiatrists in community settings.