Panel Recommended Suspension of APA Accreditation
The committee move followed concerns regarding political agendas and antisemitism in psychology education.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Mental Health
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On September 24, 2026, the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity recommended a one-year suspension of the American Psychological Association's accreditation authority. The recommendation followed concerns raised during a September hearing about the impact of decolonial therapy on patient care and education.
Why it matters
The committee expressed concern that decolonial therapy practices may force political agendas into patient sessions. Additionally, officials investigated reports of antisemitism within professional psychology training programs.
The American Psychological Association oversees more than 1,300 accredited programs with over 190,000 members. A recent study published September 19 surveyed 733 Jewish American adults regarding the impact of invalidation on mental health.
The players
American Psychological Association
This is a major professional organization in the United States representing psychologists and overseeing educational accreditation.
National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity
This federal body provides recommendations to the Department of Education regarding the recognition of accreditation agencies.
Miri Bar-Halpern
She is a researcher who co-authored academic work concerning the implementation of decolonial therapy.
Dean McKay
He is a researcher who collaborated on studies evaluating therapy methods and their impact on clinical practice.
The details
Witnesses at the hearing sought reforms to professional training, arguing that certain ideologies undermine clinical standards. The APA commission on accreditation is currently investigating specific complaints regarding those training programs.
Timeline
September 19, 2026: A study of 733 Jewish American adults was published.
September 24, 2026: The committee recommended a one-year suspension of APA accreditation authority.
October 2, 2026: The APA provided a response to the committee testimony.
November 2026: A book detailing the shalem therapy method is scheduled for release.
The Big Picture
The recommendation falls under the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity accreditation review process. This move marks a significant use of the committee's authority to challenge a major professional association's accreditation standards.
Potential changes to accreditation could eventually alter the training requirements for future psychologists across the country. Patients may see evolving standards in how therapy is approached if clinical training curricula undergo significant reforms.
The takeaway
Patients should discuss concerns regarding specific therapeutic techniques directly with their licensed mental health providers. Understanding the theoretical background of a therapist's training can help individuals make more informed choices about their treatment.
What happens next
A book regarding the shalem method is scheduled for release in November 2026.
Further reading
For more context on professional standards, visit the Mental Health section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Jewish News Syndicate.
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