About the CPA

CPA Mission & Code of Ethics
History of the CPA

Founded in 2002, the Catholic Psychotherapy Association (CPA) is an interdisciplinary group of clinical, academic, student, clergy, religious, and affiliate members from around the world, committed to restoring the dignity of the human person and strengthening Christian families.  All those interested in supporting the promotion and ethical integration of Catholic values in psychotherapy are welcome to join the CPA. 

CPA Ecclesial Regions
Board of Directors

CPA Membership

CPA Membership: Networking and more...

CPA membership offers networking opportunities to learn, encourage, support, and pray with each other via a members-only Listserv, Special Interest Groups, Regional Networks, and Local Chapters. Members are encouraged to contribute scholarly work and writing that is relevant to the mission of CPA through our Call for Programs (Continuing Education, Webinar, Conference) & our Integratus Call for Submissions (Peer-reviewed Journal).

Membership Criteria

(per CPA Bylaws)

  • Demonstrating on-going support of and fidelity to the teachings of the Catholic Church, especially her social and ethical teachings, and teachings on marriage and family life.
  • Support of the mission of the Association.
  • Successful completion of the application process established by the Board of Directors.

Individuals and organizations who are not members of the Catholic Church are welcome to join the Catholic Psychotherapy Association, so long as they support the above

View CPA ByLaws

CPA membership and active engagement is extremely important for anyone interested in Catholic integrated psychotherapy, research, and practice. Mental health professions tend to be not only secular but too often antagonistic to religion and spirituality, especially regarding those associated with the Abrahamic traditions. Discrimination and stereotyping is real. Rather than doing Catholic integrated professional work alone, it is so helpful to have colleagues to consult with and also experience both community and solidarity with as we conduct our professional work. We are all better for doing so. CPA is a gift, blessing, and godsend for any Catholic mental health professional for sure.

Tom P.

As a Catholic therapist in private practice, my CPA membership reminds me that I am not practicing in isolation. It is encouraging to be connected with other Catholic mental health professionals who understand both the challenges and the privileges of this work. Through the CPA, I have found colleagues who share a commitment to serving others and even secured some contracts with two Archdiocese because of those connections.

Felicia M.

Over the many years as a practicing clinician, I have served for local, state and national organizations but nothing quite compares to service for the Catholic Psychotherapy Association.

I was unaware of CPA’s existence until a CPA leader and member brought the organization to my attention. Quickly I realized that participation in CPA helps to focus our Catholic faith, not only in serving others but also in our own personal professional and spiritual development. With no doubt, I believe that our organization is the ‘Ark’ built to withstand the turbulence of our culture and professional challenges. I am humbled to be on the ‘Ark.’

Terry B.

CPA Membership Options

MEMBERSHIP YEAR: Begins when you join and renews on your anniversary date. 

Any person, organization, and Diocese interested in supporting the promotion of our Mission are welcome to become members of the Catholic Psychotherapy Association.  Select the one that is best for you.

Membership Classifications - Mental Health Professionals, Academics, Students, International, Non-clinical Affiliates, and Emeritus

Membership Classifications - Clergy and Religious, Ecclesial, and International

Join Today!