Commission for the Recognition of Specialties and Subspecialties in Professional Psychology (CRSSPP)
The commission shall facilitate the development, implementation, and review of effective and coordinated policies and procedures to improve quality and process in recognition of specialties and subspecialties in professional psychology.
Mission
The commission:
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Facilitates the development, implementation and review of effective and coordinated policies and procedures to improve quality and process in recognition of specialties and subspecialties in professional psychology.
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Reviews petitions from organizations requesting the Association's recognition of a professional specialty or subspecialty.
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Establishes mechanisms for the periodic evaluation and renewal of such recognition.
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Makes recommendations regarding consistency in the use of the terms "specialty" and "subspecialty" by the APA.
Subject to review by the Board of Directors, the commission has the authority to adopt procedures for reviewing specialty and subspecialty petitions. The commission may make proposals to the Council of Representatives regarding:
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The principles that define specialties and subspecialties and the criteria for their recognition.
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The processes by which the association confers and maintains its recognition of specialties and subspecialties.
The commission reports to the Council of Representatives through the Board of Directors.
Members
- 2026 Chair: Adeirdre Stribling Riley, PhD (2024–26)
- 2026 Vice chair : Lenore Walker, EdD (2025–27)
- Kathleen Brown, PhD (2025–27)
- Jennifer Ho, PsyD (2026–28)
- Gabrielle Jones, PhD (2026–28)
- David Pantalone, PhD (2026–28)
- Lindsay Phillips, PsyD, ABPP (2024–26)
- Steven Smith, JD (2024–26)
- Samuel Song, PhD (2025–27)
- Sydney Timmer-Murillo, PhD (2026–28)
Petitions for Specialties and Subspecialties (2026)
Petitions received for 2026 will be noted below.
You may direct questions to CRSSPP staff liaisons.
Recognition of organizations that provide certifications
Organizations that provide certifications in APA-recognized specialties and subspecialties may apply to be recognized by APA so that individuals with a certification from the organization can have that credential listed in the APA membership directory.
Additional information
History
Until recent years, recognition of specialties in professional psychology was done on a de facto basis. APA thereby established CRSSPP as its organizational agent to implement the recognition of specialties and subspecialties in professional psychology.Recognition for Specialties and Subspecialties
These procedures describe the process by which APA and CRSSPP will consider petitions for initial and renewed recognition of specialties and subspecialties in professional psychology.Recognized Specialties, Subspecialties, and Proficiencies
Public descriptions of recognized specialties, subspecialties, and proficiencies.
Equal opportunity and nondiscrimination disclaimer
The American Psychological Association (APA) is committed to advancing psychological science, promoting mental health, and serving the public interest. Consistent with that mission, APA supports education, programs, and guidance designed to reflect the breadth of the profession and the diverse mental health needs of the public.
The criteria used by CRSSPP to recognize a specialty or subspecialty in professional psychology or organization that provides certifications in specialties or subspecialties in professional psychology are designed to evaluate the distinctive configuration of competent services for specified problems and populations and the advanced knowledge and skills acquired through an organized sequence of formal education, training, and experience in addition to the broad and general education and core scientific and professional foundations acquired through an APA or CPA accredited doctoral program. CRSSPP does not use race, gender, or any other protected characteristic as a basis for selection, eligibility, or recognition; does not use facially neutral criteria as a proxy for favoring individuals or groups based on protected characteristics; and evaluates submissions based on objective criteria and professional judgment.
All CRSSPP materials, criteria, guidance, and referenced resources must be read and applied consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. APA prohibits discrimination and retaliation in all employment, contracting, governance, and programmatic decisions. Questions about this disclaimer may be directed to APA's Office of General Counsel.