The pilot phase of our micro-volunteer initiative has concluded, and feedback and participation data are being reviewed to help shape next steps. We are adding one new opportunity now and plan to introduce others over time, leading up to a broader launch in early 2026. Please check back for updates as we continue to build flexible ways for members to contribute to the work of the organization.

APA is launching a pilot program to expand volunteer opportunities for our members. This initiative introduces micro-volunteering, which consists of short-term, flexible opportunities that allow members to contribute in meaningful ways without long-term commitments. These time-bound tasks enable volunteers to support the organization’s work in a way that fits their availability while making a tangible impact.

Past Opportunities

Technical Advisor for Ethics Committee’s Developing Guidance on AI In Psychiatry

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a developing phenomenon that is quickly being implemented within all aspects of our everyday lives – including the medical field. Whether AI is being used by clinicians to support administrative tasks or by patients as a temporary supplement to mental health services, its role in medicine is deeply impactful. This raises the question: what are the ethical obligations of psychiatrists as they navigate AI in medicine and its impact on mental health? The Ethics Committee has been tasked with creating guidance that considers some of the clinical intricacies and ethical responsibilities related to using AI while prioritizing patient care. The final version will be published on APA’s website and shared as a resource for APA members.

We are seeking a Technical Advisor to join the Ethics Committee’s workgroup. Ideally, they have firsthand experience with AI and are familiar with its technological background. The Technical Advisor will be a subject matter expert and may be asked to address workgroup questions related to the inner workings of various AI models and data collection. Given the nature of our committee, any experience with ethics is preferred.

• Project Dates and/or Time Commitment: November 5, 2025 – January 15th. The workgroup will communicate largely via email and may meet about 3-5 times for a one-hour Zoom meeting.
• Number of Volunteers: 2
• Suggested Requirements: Technical expertise and familiarity with ethics is strongly preferred. The ideal applicant has knowledge and experience with artificial intelligence that they can use to educate fellow workgroup members. Technical Advisors will be providing technical assistance so that drafters understand the technical applications.
• Applications are now closed.

Peer Reviewers for SET for Success Curriculum

Are you in your last year of completing a psychiatry residency program (PGY-4) or have you completed a psychiatry residency program in the last two years? If so, consider volunteering as a peer reviewer for APA’s SET for Success curriculum. This project involves reviewing the current educational curriculum for accuracy and effectiveness for an intended audience of residents navigating their respective journey to psychiatric practice in the United States. The project also involves recommending new and relevant material that captivates the current psychiatric landscape to best prepare residents. This opportunity allows you to contribute your expertise and insights while helping to shape and support the development of future psychiatrists.

• Project Dates and/or Time Commitment: September 29 – October 19, 2025
• Number of Volunteers: 5
• Suggested Requirements: Attending/attended a psychiatry residency in the US and/or currently practice in the U.S. or have experience developing educational curriculum in psychiatry.
• Applications are now closed.

Call for Volunteers: Help Shape a New APA Mentoring & Coaching Program

Are you an early career psychiatrist eager to make an impact within the American Psychiatric Association (APA)? Join a select Early Career Psychiatrist (ECP) Workgroup dedicated to creating an exciting new member benefit centered on mentoring and coaching.

As a workgroup volunteer, you’ll collaborate with peers to design the program’s structure, implementation plan, and training recommendations. You’ll also play a key role in beta testing the mentoring/coaching platform before it launches.

• Project Dates and/or Time Commitment: August 1 – October 31, 2025
• Time Commitment: Limited and flexible; project-based
• Number of Volunteers: 5
• Eligibility: Residents, Fellows, Early Career Psychiatrists, and General Members. Prior experience as a mentor/coach or mentee/coachee is required.
• Application Deadline: July 29, 2025
• Applications are now closed.

Peer Reviewers for Medical Student Road to Psychiatry Residency Guide (MDs/DOs)

Are you in a psychiatry residency or within the first two years of practice? Volunteer as a peer reviewer for APA’s Medical Student Roadmap to Psychiatry Residency Guide (MDs/DOs). The project involves reviewing the current document for accuracy and clarity for an intended audience of medical students navigating their respective journey to psychiatry residency in the United States. This opportunity offers a chance for you to contribute your expertise and experiences and play a role in supporting and support future psychiatrists.

• Project Dates and/or Time Commitment: May 1 – June 8, 2025
• Number of Volunteers: 5
• Suggested Requirements: Attended residency in the US and/or currently practice in the U.S. or have experience working with medical students applying for residency.
• Application Deadline: April 28, 2025
• Applications are now closed.

Peer Reviewers for APA Resources on Conducting a Job Search

Are you in an early career psychiatrist who has successfully landed your dream psychiatric job? Volunteer as a peer reviewer for APA’s current resources related to searching for a job. The project involves reviewing web-based materials and making suggestions as to content – what is missing or not needed. This opportunity offers a chance for you to contribute your expertise and experiences and play a role in supporting future psychiatrists.

• Project Dates and/or Time Commitment: May 1 – May 31, 2025
• Number of Volunteers: 3
• Suggested Requirements: Successfully conducted a job search, 2 – 5 years (or more) in an employed setting.
• Application Deadline: May 31, 2025
• Applications are now closed.

Peer Reviewers for APA Global Research Engagement Program

Established in 2017 by the APA Council on International Psychiatry and Global Health, the APA International Poster Engagement Program is an opportunity for non-U.S. researchers to connect with peers in the United States to review and discuss their research, build networks, and engage in bilateral learning. All participants have been accepted to present their research poster at the upcoming APA Annual Meeting. Volunteer peer reviewers may select a participant to connect with either in-person or virtually during the 2025 APA Annual Meeting in Los Angeles, CA.

• Project Dates and/or Time Commitment: May 17 – May 21, 2025
• Number of Volunteers: TBD (based on number of program participants)
• Suggested Requirements: APA members with research experience
• Application Deadline: May 5, 2025
• Applications are now closed.

Peer-Reviewers for Medical Student Road to Psychiatry Residency Guide (IMGs)

Are you an International Medical Graduate (IMG) who is currently in a U.S. psychiatry residency or within the first two years of practice? Volunteer as a peer-reviewer for APA’s Medical Student Road to Psychiatry Residency Guide (IMGs). The project involves reviewing the current document for accuracy and clarity for an intended audience of medical students navigating their respective journey to psychiatry residency in the United States. This opportunity offers a chance for you to contribute your expertise and play a role in supporting future psychiatrists.

• Project Dates and/or Time Commitment: May 1 – June 8, 2025
• Number of Volunteers: 5
• Suggested Requirements: Graduated from Medical School outside of the United States and currently attending or attended residency in the United States.
• Application Deadline: April 28, 2025
• Applications are now closed.

Peer-Reviewers for APA’s "Featured Publications for Residents"

Are you currently a 4th year psychiatry resident, fellow, or within the first two years of practice? Volunteer as a peer-reviewer for APA’s “Featured Publications for Residents”. The project involves reviewing the APA’s A Resident’s Guide to Surviving Psychiatric Training and Building a Career in Psychiatry for accuracy and clarity for an intended audience of current and prospective residents. This opportunity offers a chance for you to contribute your expertise and play a role in supporting future psychiatrists.

• Project Dates and/or Time Commitment: May 1 – June 30, 2025
• Number of Volunteers: 5
• Suggested Requirements: Attended residency in the United States and/or currently practice in the United States.
• Application Deadline: April 28, 2025
• Applications are now closed.