About
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention, treatment, and cure of anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, and co-occurring disorders through the alignment of science, treatment, and education. Founded in 1979 and headquartered in Silver Spring, Maryland, ADAA brings together mental health professionals and the public under its motto, "Triumphing Through Science, Treatment, and Education."
Mission
ADAA's stated promise is to find new treatments and one day prevent and cure anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, and co-occurring disorders. The organization works to improve the quality of life for those who suffer through evidence-based educational resources, professional practice, and scientific research, and it promotes the implementation of best practices and treatments across disciplines through continuing education and training.
What they do
- Public education: expert-reviewed website content on recognizing signs and symptoms of anxiety disorders, depression, OCD, and PTSD, plus facts and statistics, brochures, infographics, animated videos, and newsletters.
- Find Your Therapist: a directory platform connecting people to ADAA member mental health professionals who provide treatment.
- Online peer-to-peer communities and personal-story sharing, which the organization uses to help decrease stigma.
- Professional education: live and on-demand webinars with continuing education credit, an annual ADAA Conference, publications including the ADAA Journal of Mood and Anxiety Disorders, and a mental health career center.
- Support for research and early-career professionals through awards programs such as the Alies Muskin Career Development Leadership Program and the Klein Early Career Investigator Award.
History
ADAA states that it started more than four decades ago as The Phobia Society of America and has since expanded its scope to include anxiety and mood disorders, depression, OCD, and PTSD. Its homepage states the organization was founded in 1979.
Scale and impact
ADAA describes itself as an international membership organization with about 1,500 professional mental health members, many of whom contribute blog posts, host webinars, and review website content. Its membership spans clinicians and researchers in medicine, psychology, social work, counseling, nursing, neuroscience, genetics, epidemiology, and other disciplines.
Financials
According to IRS Form 990 data on ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer (EIN 52-1248820), ADAA reported total revenue of 2,477,475 dollars, total expenses of 2,074,702 dollars, and total assets of 4,882,048 dollars for fiscal year 2023.
Governance
ADAA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit governed by a Board of Directors that oversees the organization's long-term strategic plan. It also maintains a Scientific Council and program committees for its conference, membership, and professional and public education work.