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Health care

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Health care encompasses services and delivery related to the health and well-being of individuals and communities, including preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic, rehabilitative, maintenance, monitoring, and counseling services.

In its broadest sense, health care relates to both physical and mental health and is provided by medical and mental health professionals.

Adapted from the APA Dictionary of Psychology

Resources from APA

Kathleen Ethier works to better support mental health

CDC psychologist understands the complex interplay between individual choices and social systems

Rosalynn Carter's lasting impact on mental health

The former first lady never let up on her mission of better care, greater dignity, and reduced stigma for people with mental illness and their families.

graphic depicting outlines of many different types of people

Column: Population health will be central in 2024

Psychologists have an essential role to play in transforming our nation’s health.

professional woman having a conversation with a patient

Why are some people more susceptible to severe PMS? Psychologists seek answers

Emerging research on “hormonal sensitivity” is opening up new avenues for suicide prevention and other interventions.

More resources about health care

What APA is doing

A mental health professional sitting and talking with a woman on a couch

Advocacy

Affordable health care access

APA Services seeks to protect and expand patient access to affordable coverage of comprehensive mental and behavioral health services.

medical practitioner reassuring a patient

Programs

Office of Health Equity

Promoting the advancement, communication, and application of psychological and interdisciplinary knowledge and practice to advance health equity.

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Divisions

Society for Health Psychology

Division 38 seeks to improve the lives of individuals and society by promoting health, preventing illness, and improving health care through research, practice, education, training, and advocacy.