Candice Hargons Will Become APA President in 2028
The American Psychological Association has elected Emory University professor Candice Hargons as its 2028 president.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Mental Health
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Candice Hargons, a PhD in counseling psychology and associate professor at Emory University, will begin her term as American Psychological Association president on January 1, 2028. She will officially assume the role of president-elect in 2027.
Why it matters
The election of a new leader for the APA shapes the future research priorities, clinical standards, and public policy advocacy for the nation's largest organization of psychologists.
The APA presidency represents a multi-year leadership commitment, beginning with the president-elect year in 2027 and followed by the formal 2028 term. The specific voting margins of this election were not disclosed by the organization.
The players
Candice Hargons
She is an associate professor at Emory University who holds a PhD in counseling psychology.
American Psychological Association
It is the primary professional organization for psychologists in the United States and is based in Washington.
The details
Hargons brings extensive organizational experience to the role, having previously served on both the APA Council of Representatives and the APA Board of Directors. Her background includes a tenure as a full professor at the University of Kentucky prior to joining the faculty at Emory University.
Timeline
Candice Hargons will serve as APA president-elect in 2027.
Candice Hargons begins her term as APA president on January 1, 2028.
Deeper Dive
The American Psychological Association Council of Representatives governs organizational policy, and the election of Hargons ensures continued leadership for this governing body. The election follows a pattern established by the organization's governance structure, which requires leaders to have served on the Council of Representatives.
As the leader of the nation's largest psychological association, Hargons will influence the professional standards and clinical guidelines that impact millions of patients. Her focus on counseling psychology may shape future shifts in treatment access and mental health policy.
The takeaway
The selection of a new president indicates the coming change in the strategic direction for the American Psychological Association. Professionals and patients should monitor the organization's upcoming policy announcements to see how new leadership might alter industry standards.
What happens next
Candice Hargons will assume the role of president-elect in 2027, followed by her inauguration as president on January 1, 2028.
Further reading
For more on developments in clinical psychology, visit the Mental Health section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Apa.
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