The Arizona Psychiatric Society
Our Mission
The Arizona Psychiatric Society (APS), as a district branch of the American Psychiatric Association, is dedicated to advancing the field of psychiatry and enhancing the ability of its members to deliver high-quality psychiatric care. Our mission is to improve access to mental health services, advocate for the well-being of individuals with mental illness, and uphold the medically-based principles of psychiatry. Serving public, academic, and private practice psychiatrists, as well as psychiatric residents in Arizona, APS is committed to supporting the professional needs of its members and safeguarding the future of psychiatry. Join us in protecting your profession and advocating for your patients.
Meet our Board
Nicholas Ahrendt, MD
- President
About Me:
Margaret Balfour, MD
- President Elect
About Me:
Robert Rymowicz, DO
- Vice President
About Me:
Pallavi Joshi, MD
- Treasurer
About Me:
Ravi Narine, MD
- Secretary
About Me:
Gagan Singh, MD
- Past President 2023-2024
About Me:
Larry Mecham, DO
- Past President 2022-2023
About Me:
Jaslean Chhatwal, MD
- Past President 2020-2022
About Me:
Don Fowls, MD
- Goverment Affairs
About Me:
Gagan Singh, MD
- RFM UA-Tucson
About Me:
Nehal Samra, MD
- RFM Creighton
About Me:
Matthew Mitchell, MD
- RFM UA-Phoenix
About Me:
Jason Curry, DO
- APA Assembly Rep
About Me:
Payam Sadr, MD
- APA Assembly Rep
About Me:
Amie Kafer, MD
- APA Assembly Rep
About Me:
Ashley Schnock
- Executive Director
About Me:
Join us today
Professional Development: Membership offers access to a wide range of educational resources, including conferences, workshops, and webinars focused on the latest research, treatment modalities, and best practices in psychiatry.
Networking Opportunities: Psychiatrists can connect with peers, mentors, and leaders in the field, fostering collaborations, sharing insights, and staying updated on industry trends.
Advocacy and Representation: We are passionate about advocating for psychiatrists at local, state, and national levels, influencing policies that affect psychiatric practice, patient care, and mental health legislation.
Continuing Education: APS offers continuing medical education (CME) credits and opportunities to fulfill licensure requirements, ensuring psychiatrists stay current with advancements in their field.
Support and Resources: Membership provides access to clinical guidelines, practice tools, and resources that help psychiatrists enhance patient care and navigate professional challenges.
Community and Support: Being part of a professional community fosters a sense of belonging and support, which can be invaluable for career satisfaction and personal growth.
Leadership Opportunities: APS offers opportunities to get involved in committees, leadership roles, and advocacy initiatives, allowing psychiatrists to shape the future of their profession and contribute to broader healthcare discussions.
Overall, joining the APA and APS not only enhances your professional competence but also strengthens your voice within the field of psychiatry while providing avenues for personal and professional growth.
Networking Opportunities: Psychiatrists can connect with peers, mentors, and leaders in the field, fostering collaborations, sharing insights, and staying updated on industry trends.
Advocacy and Representation: We are passionate about advocating for psychiatrists at local, state, and national levels, influencing policies that affect psychiatric practice, patient care, and mental health legislation.
Continuing Education: APS offers continuing medical education (CME) credits and opportunities to fulfill licensure requirements, ensuring psychiatrists stay current with advancements in their field.
Support and Resources: Membership provides access to clinical guidelines, practice tools, and resources that help psychiatrists enhance patient care and navigate professional challenges.
Community and Support: Being part of a professional community fosters a sense of belonging and support, which can be invaluable for career satisfaction and personal growth.
Leadership Opportunities: APS offers opportunities to get involved in committees, leadership roles, and advocacy initiatives, allowing psychiatrists to shape the future of their profession and contribute to broader healthcare discussions.
Overall, joining the APA and APS not only enhances your professional competence but also strengthens your voice within the field of psychiatry while providing avenues for personal and professional growth.
Our Committees
The Arizona Psychiatric Society has had the benefit of its members working with passion to advance the highest principles of psychiatry. Each is essential to the continued work of the organization. Committee members are welcome, but not required, to attend the monthly meetings of the Executive Council. Each Committee meets on a schedule determined by its members and by the work to be completed by the Committee.
Each committee also has an assigned DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) delegate representative who ensures that DEI principles are integrated into the committee's activities and discussions.
Committee participation is an important and vital way to join the leadership of the Society, to familiarize yourself with the workings of governance and the Executive Council, and to choose to step into an executive leadership role or Committee Chair position. Associate Chair positions are open to Resident-Fellow Members interested in co-leading and mentorship by the Committee Chair.
Listed below are the current committee descriptions for the Arizona Psychiatric Society and their leadership:
Each committee also has an assigned DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) delegate representative who ensures that DEI principles are integrated into the committee's activities and discussions.
Committee participation is an important and vital way to join the leadership of the Society, to familiarize yourself with the workings of governance and the Executive Council, and to choose to step into an executive leadership role or Committee Chair position. Associate Chair positions are open to Resident-Fellow Members interested in co-leading and mentorship by the Committee Chair.
Listed below are the current committee descriptions for the Arizona Psychiatric Society and their leadership: