This article may serve as a guide to members who aren't sure about their Area affiliation.

The APA Bylaws stipulate that the district branches be grouped into Areas, not to exceed a total of 10 Areas, from which Area trustees shall be elected. Currently there are seven Areas; the district branches within each Area are listed below. Area membership is determined by district branch membership; that is, one must be a member of a district branch within an Area to be a member of that Area and be eligible to elect the Area trustee. Area trustees are elected every three years on a rotating schedule. In 2005 Areas 2 and 5 will elect their Area trustees, Areas 1, 4, and 7 in 2006, and Areas 3 and 6 in 2007.

All APA members, except medical student members, international members, international fellows, honorary fellows, and a small number designated as members-at-large, must belong to a district branch where they live or work. Members are expected to transfer district branch membership when they move their residence or practice from the jurisdiction of one district branch to another. Members who need to transfer should contact the APA Membership Office by phone at (888) 35-PSYCH, or (888) 357-7924, or by e-mail at [email protected].