Mission Statement

The Southern Psychiatric Association was established in 1935 to further the study of all subjects pertaining to the cause, treatment, and prevention of psychiatric disorders; to promote the interests, maintenance, and the advancement of standards in public and private hospitals for psychiatric disorders, or outpatient clinics, and all other agencies concerned with the medical, social, and legal aspects of these disorders; and to further psychiatric knowledge in other branches of medicine and in other sciences and to furnish the public with the proper concept of psychiatric disease.

Membership Requirements

Presently, membership is limited to 300 dues-paying members. SPA feels that by keeping the membership low, the collegial interaction among the psychiatrist members is greatly enhanced. SPA takes pride in the active involvement and annual meeting participation by psychiatrist members who continually year after year support their Association.

Membership in SPA requires an invitation from a present member, fellow, or life fellow. An application is required. The required recommendation should accompany the completed application. Candidates for membership must be approved by the Board of Regents.

Some Benefits of Membership

Annual Meeting

The Annual Meeting, traditionally held in late September or early October, has become the culmination of our year. This meeting features three half-day educational sessions, distinguished guest speakers and the most current educational exhibits. Complementing the Annual Meeting’s education agenda is a full schedule of social and recreational programs. Collegial interaction, the lively social schedule, and the exciting locations make this extremely popular with members.

Residents/Young Investigators Award

The Southern Psychiatric Association offers an annual award for a manuscript concerning basic or clinical research, or a scholarly review of literature, on a topic pertinent to psychiatry submitted by a psychiatrist in training within the SPA territory. The winner receives a $500 honorarium and hotel and travel expenses up to $1,000 for them to present the paper at SPA’s annual meeting.

Newsletter

As a member of Southern Psychiatric Association, you will receive the SPA Newsletter, containing updates on membership, annual meeting highlights, and other information regarding the Association.

How the applications will be evaluated

In considering proposals, the Association will be guided by evidence of the candidate’s continued growth and competence as expressed in the following areas:

  1. Constructive influence in the community

  2. Clinical or administrative ability

  3. Teaching contributions

  4. Relationship with colleagues and others

  5. Ability in research

  6. Merit of publications

  7. Certification by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology

  8. Membership and recognition in other organizations

How to apply

First, print and mail or email in the application form ➔

The next step is to pay the application fee. This fee will cover member processing, mailing, and other expenses incurred as a result of your application. This fee will be applied toward your first dues payment upon membership approval by SPA’s Board of Regents.

Please select the proper application fee below.

Or, if you’d prefer, you can mail a check to:

Southern Psychiatric Association
Attention: Janet Bryan
6501 North Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21204

New Member - Standard - Application Fee - $110

New Member - Residents - Application Fee - $50