Recently there has been a much closer working relationship perceived between the American Psychoanalytic Association and the American Psychiatric Association. Often initiated by members of The American Psychoanalytic Association, and taking place at several organiational levels, this cooperation seems to have been spurred by an increasing awareness of the mutual concerns: legislative issues, third party payment, peer review and continuing medical education requirements. This represents a significant departure from earlier decades when the psychoanalytic community was more concerned with internal affairs and thus less involved with the larger psychiatric organization.
Last year, during former President Herbert Gaskill's term, Lewis L. Robbins was appointed as official liaison officer from the American Psychoanalytic Association to the American Psychiatric Association (APA). Dr. Robbins, a former secretary of the American Psychoanalytic Association, is presently a member of the Board of Trustees of the APA, and was approved by them to serve in a liaison capacity to the American Psychoanalytic Association as well.
Dr. Robbins defines his role as that of a broker and reports that he has tried to keep alert to things that would be of interest and importance to each group. One example of Dr. Robbins' efforts was the meeting he was instrumental in arranging between Chairman William Granatir and members of the American Psychoanalytic Association's Legislative Review Committee, and Chairman Robert Campbell of the APA's Legislative Commission.
Areas of common concern between the two organizations have been discussed at meetings attended by the presidents of both organizations, Melvin Sabshin, Medical Director of the APA, and Mrs. Helen Fischer, Administrative Director of the American Psychoanalytic Association. Among the topics prompting further dialogue between the two groups is continuing medical education. Carolyn Robinowitz, Deputy Medical Director, and Director of the Office of Education for the APA, met with several members of the American Psychoanalytic Association in Quebec and Washington, in order to advise the American Psychoanalytic Association about the increasingly complex requirements for continuing education.
Another example of increased cooperation concerns the spring
meetings. The APA and the American Psychoanalytic Association are making certain that the two groups can once again coordinate dates and locations of that gathering. Both groups will be meeting this spring in Atlanta.
Dr. Robbins hopes that these trends will continue and has urged psychoanalysts to become active on local APA levels where he feels greater numbers and resources can be brought to bear on analytic interests. He states, “In view of the fact that the practice of psychiatry, including psychoanalysis, is increasingly going to be affected by legislation at local, state and federal levels, it is important that we make our voices heard as new patterns of health care delivery are developing. The APA has been very active in the area of the interface between psychiatry and the community, including government. It is also urgent that the knowledge and experience of psychoanalysts be made available.”