About Us

The Bay Area Psychological Association (BAPA) is a professional non-profit organization made up of almost 500 licensed psychologists, graduate students in psychology and other mental health professionals in the San Francisco Bay Area.

BAPA grew out of a merger of the San Mateo County Psychological Association (SMCPA) and the Santa Clara County Psychological Association (SCCPA) in 2022 to create a larger and stronger Bay Area association better able to support Bay Area psychologists and other mental health professionals, and better meet the needs of the clients we serve. While BAPA may be new, SCCPA and SMCPA have been serving their communities since 1965 and 1976 respectively.

BAPA is one of 19 regional Chapters of the California Psychological Association (CPA). CPA represents the 20,000+ psychologists in California. CPA is one of the 50 State Chapters of the American Psychological Association (APA) and represents more than 146,000 psychological researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants, and students.

BAPA’s mission is to strengthen, promote and sustain the profession of psychology in the Bay Area. We do this by offering our members professional growth opportunities through continuing education (CE) and continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities, collegial support, and professional and social opportunities for connection.

BAPA promotes the science of psychology as it relates to issues in our community through supporting the provision of mental health services to residents in our community, through advocacy efforts with local and state government officials and organizations, and by mentoring future generations of psychologists.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are part of the fundamental mission of BAPA, and our association is a professional home for psychologists from all nations, races/ethnicities, beliefs, genders, sexual identities, disabilities, and cultures. BAPA members are committed to and competent to provide mental health resources and support to clients of diverse backgrounds.

Why BAPA?

BAPA provides its members with a professional community and resources to support the growth of their practices and professional development.

Join BAPA

BAPA offers:

Community Forum

A lively Community Forum that is a rich source for referrals, clinical questions/answers, discussions about ethical, legal and business issues, and more.

Continuing Education (CE)

Continuing Education opportunities that are interesting and meaningful for professional growth and to satisfy requirements for licensure renewal. CE credits/events are offered at a discount for BAPA members.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

Continuing Professional Development through various gatherings and opportunities. Some examples of CPD offerings (currently or in the past) are: Consultation Groups, Mentoring and Book Clubs (see more information in the sections below).

Consultation Groups

BAPA members can join various Consultation Groups developed by BAPA, or start their own Consultation Group. For more info, please email our Admin at admin@bapapsych.org.

Mentoring Program

BAPA is planning to launch a Mentoring Program where members who are early in their career or are seeking further professional growth and development get matched with another BAPA colleague as a mentor. For more info, please email our Admin at admin@bapapsych.org.

Book Clubs

Led by BAPA or created independently by members, over the years BAPA members have had access to a range of Book Clubs (spanning general psychology to more specific topics, such as DEI). If you have questions or any interest in running a Book Club, please email our Admin at admin@bapapsych.org.

Social and Networking

Connect with other mental health providers at member happy hours and coffee socials, at workshops and talks, the annual member holiday party, annual member picnic, student events, new member gatherings, and more!

Advocacy and Representation

BAPA is a chapter of the California Psychological Association (CPA). BAPA coordinates with CPA to advocate with elected officials for issues impacting our profession and the communities we serve.

Community Involvement

BAPA participates in a wide range of community-based events to increase mental health awareness (including PRIDE, May Mental Health Awareness Month, NAMI walks and more).

Member Discounts

Discounts on practice-relevant services and products, as well as activities in the community (coming soon).

BAPA offers:

A lively Community Forum that is a rich source of referrals, clinical questions, referrals, discussion about ethical, legal and business issues, and more.
Discounted Continuing Education (CE) opportunities that are interesting and meaningful for professional growth and to satisfy requirements for license renewal.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities through consultation groups, book clubs, and networking events.
Social and Networking opportunities with other mental health practitioners at member happy hours and coffees, networking opportunities at various workshops and talks, annual member holiday party, annual member picnic, student events, and new member gatherings.
Advocacy and Representation. BAPA is a chapter of the California Psychological Association, and BAPA advocates with elected officials for issues impacting our profession.
Opportunities for Community Involvement by offering talks in the community and participating in community events (such as PRIDE, May Mental Health Awareness Month, NAMI walk and more).
Discounts on practice-relevant Services and Products (coming soon).