Positive Psychiatry shifts the focus of mental health beyond studying disorders and psychopathology to studying factors that contribute to mental wellbeing. Historically, psychiatry has focused on the diagnosis of disease and the treatment of individuals with mental illness. Positive psychiatry takes a more expansive approach. It is the science and practice of psychiatry that seeks to understand and promote wellbeing through assessment and interventions. Positive psychiatry can help psychiatrists expand their range of treatment options and better engage patients in the treatment process.

The WPA’s Positive Psychiatry Section seeks to share research and expertise in this rapidly growing area. We host Zoom meetings every other month to discuss positive psychiatry in clinical practice and send out a newsletter several times a year. Please join us!