Early Women Psychiatrists

This gallery acknowledges and honors female psychiatrists who have been an integral part of medical history. Their determination and perseverance to assume leadership positions is reflected in the women profiled in this gallery.

The Committee on Women was established in 1975 and replaced a former task force. The Committee defined and recommended actions to meet the mental health needs of women; promoted the involvement of women psychiatrists in academic, research, administrative, and professional organizations, and developed methods for increasing their participation and leadership, which stimulated research in the development of theories necessary to implement the aforementioned support systems for women colleagues.

Today, women comprise 40% of the APA's membership, and because of these pioneers, more women are in leadership roles than ever before. Read more about the library exhibit in Psychiatric News.