FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 26, 2026

SURVEY FINDS THAT 97% OF PSYCHIATRISTS SAY RFK JR. IS UNQUALIFIED TO LEAD HHS, DEMAND APA COUNTER HEALTH MISINFORMATION

A national survey of psychiatrists conducted in conjunction with the 2026 American Psychiatric Association (APA) Annual Meeting finds overwhelming rejection of Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s (RFK) leadership of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) — and sharp disagreement with recent statements from APA leadership characterizing his actions as "beneficial to the field."

Key findings:

  • 94% disagree with the statement that Secretary Kennedy's actions have benefited the field

  • 97% consider him unqualified to lead HHS

  • 97% want the APA to actively speak out against HHS misinformation — not attempt to maintain neutrality or issue further supportive statements.

The results send an unambiguous message: recent APA statements on HHS leadership do not reflect the views of the profession's membership. Psychiatrists are calling on APA leadership to take an unequivocal stand against the disinformation and misinformation being actively promoted by HHS.

This survey was designed solely to assess the professional views of psychiatrists on matters of public health policy and was not affiliated with or funded by any political party, campaign, or political organization.

Read the full report here:  National Survey of Psychiatrists on RFK, HHS, and the APA’s Response

For media inquiries or further information, please contact the Committee to Protect Public Mental Health at Committee@ProtectPublicMentalHealth.org.

The Committee to Protect Public Mental Health is an independent group of psychiatrists, which includes former presidents of the American Psychiatric Association; current and former leaders of public mental health agencies; and frontline medical professionals across the United States. The Committee is separate from the APA and the positions or views of the Committee do not necessarily represent those of the APA. Established in early 2025, the Committee was formed to protect our patients and our profession in the face of the current federal administration’s cuts to vital programs, attacks on diversity and inclusion, censorship of scientific integrity and free speech, and extensive efforts to restrict the American public’s access to evidence-based, lifesaving care.