Investigation into APA for Alleged Anti-Semitic Practices

The Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights under Law announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is looking into the American Psychological Association (APA) over claims of anti-Semitic discrimination.

This follows a complaint filed by the Brandeis Center on August 8, 2025, which accused the APA of being a significant source of anti-Semitism and extremist thought within the medical community. The APA, which boasts over 172,000 members, secures millions in federal support annually, as noted in the complaint.

Brandeis Center Litigation Staff Attorney Rebecca Harris expressed satisfaction that HHS recognizes these concerns and is taking action against the APA. JNS has reached out to both HHS and the APA for comments on this matter.

The complaint alleges that both current and former Jewish and Israeli members of the APA have reported instances where the organization endorses “decolonization therapy,” classifying Zionism as a mental illness. Harris pointed out that the APA offers continuing education courses that psychologists need to complete for licensing, with many states relying on the APA for certification of these courses.

According to Harris, some psychologists with anti-Israel sentiments are conducting courses on topics like “spiritual militancy” and incorporating “resistance” and “Palestinian liberation struggles” into mental health practices. Some instructors have even utilized harmful mental health terminology, labeling Zionists as “mentally insane” and pushing for political activities that could be harmful to Americans, particularly Jewish individuals.

The complaint also mentions that the APA’s conferences included sessions supporting “decolonization therapy” and framing the recent attack on October 7 in Israel as targeting military sites. Moreover, it references messages from APA members using listservs to express admiration for Hamas, call for boycotts of Israel, equate Gaza with the Warsaw ghetto, and advocate for Israel’s destruction.

Harris noted concerns that Jewish members voicing anti-Semitism experienced “open hostility” and felt their concerns were dismissed or ignored. One Jewish therapist shared their experience of harassment at an APA conference, but, regrettably, no adequate corrective measures were taken.

“She was promised that the harasser would be removed, yet he remained during the meeting where the incident occurred,” Harris stated, adding that the individual still plans to speak at an upcoming APA conference.

In light of the complaint, HHS informed the Brandeis Center that it is scrutinizing whether the APA has violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, which applies Title VI provisions to federally funded health programs. Harris expressed hope that if the APA continues to receive federal funding, HHS will adhere to civil rights laws and safeguard against discrimination of its Jewish members while preventing broader anti-Jewish discrimination in the mental health field.