Candice Hargons Will Lead American Psychological Association
The counseling psychology professor will assume the role of president in 2028 to guide national mental health initiatives.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Mental Health
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The American Psychological Association has elected Candice Hargons, a counseling psychology professor, to serve as its president beginning January 1, 2028. Hargons, currently at Emory University, will first serve as president-elect starting in 2027.
Why it matters
The presidency of the American Psychological Association influences national mental health policy, research priorities, and professional standards for psychologists across the country. Leadership changes shape how the organization advocates for the needs of diverse patient populations and practitioners alike.
The result is based on an official election process conducted by the American Psychological Association. This outcome confirms the transition of leadership for the 2028 term.
The players
Candice Hargons
A counseling psychology professor at Emory University who will lead the American Psychological Association as president in 2028.
American Psychological Association
The leading professional organization in the United States representing psychologists and advancing the science and practice of psychology.
The details
Candice Hargons, who holds a PhD in counseling psychology, earned the presidency through a formal association vote. Her academic background includes an appointment as an associate professor at Emory University and a previous tenure as a full professor at the University of Kentucky. She also brings governance experience from her prior service on both the APA Board of Directors and the APA Council of Representatives.
Timeline
Candice Hargons will serve as APA president-elect in 2027.
Candice Hargons begins her term as APA president on January 1, 2028.
Health Landscape
This appointment reflects the ongoing cycle of leadership within the American Psychological Association Council of Representatives. It marks a shift in the administrative direction of the professional body overseeing mental health standards in the United States.
The incoming president's focus on counseling psychology may signal a broader organizational emphasis on mental health access and clinical standards. Patients and providers should watch for future policy updates that could impact how mental health services are prioritized at a national level.
The takeaway
The election of an academic leader to the American Psychological Association presidency highlights the role of research-backed practice in national mental health guidance. Readers interested in the field can monitor the association's official communications to track how new leadership influences future mental health policies.
What happens next
Candice Hargons will begin her role as president-elect on January 1, 2027, followed by her transition to president on January 1, 2028.
Further reading
For broader trends in the field, explore the latest developments in Mental Health.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Apa.
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