Dear Esteemed Colleagues, Members, and Friends,

This year has been remarkable, with significant changes occurring in healthcare—administratively, financially, and in information dissemination—at both the federal and state levels. As physicians and advocates, we must ensure that the voices of those we serve are heard and their needs addressed. It’s equally vital to advocate for our own well-being, including physician wellness and fair reimbursement for psychiatrists. This requires engaging with policymakers, raising awareness about mental health issues, and working together to dismantle the stigma surrounding mental illness.

NCPS is actively addressing these challenges through various initiatives. The Advocacy Forum, our dedicated committee, is planning our role in this evolving landscape, focusing on priorities such as combating misinformation about psychiatry and advocating for equitable healthcare distribution. For instance, the recent alert regarding the FDA panel on SSRIs in pregnancy (https://ncps.org/news/aa-ssris-preg) was crafted by the forum to ensure accurate,1 evidence-based information reaches the public. We encourage our members to share such alerts widely. Additionally, NCPS is part of the California State Association of Psychiatrists (CSAP), which includes all five California district branches of the APA and plays a crucial role in advocating for psychiatric interests. I also encourage you to join and share your experiences, using the forum as a platform for your advocacy concerns.

I’m looking forward to seeing all of you at our upcoming membership events: the members' meeting on October 1, the holiday party on December 6, the career fair on January 31, and the Annual Meeting from March 6-8, 2026. These gatherings are excellent opportunities to connect and support one another.

Together, we can influence legislation that prioritizes mental health funding, promotes innovative treatment methods, and fosters a culture of understanding and support.