The Southern California Association of Black Psychologists (SCABPsi) was established in 1974 as a chapter of the national Association of Black Psychologists (ABPsi) and is incorporated as a California nonprofit corporation and has 501 (c) 3 federal tax exemption status. SCABPsi was initially formed with the purpose as stated in the April 1974 Articles of Incorporation “ . . . to organize the skills and abilities of Black psychologists in order to influence and effect necessary social change in the Black community, recruitment of faculty, students and other positions in the field of psychology and other related social sciences. And to develop in service training and to provide a resource for staff development for organizations concerned with problems relating to the psychological and sociological factors of the Black experience.  The initial signers of those Articles of Incorporation Wilfred C. Celestine, Sandra E. Cox, Paul Munford, and Julia Wright.

Since its inception in 1974, the SCABPsi has engaged in numerous activities in pursuit of the goals outlined by the national organization. A partial itemization of these activities include psychology student recruitment conferences, providing graduate level scholarships, conducting symposia for psychiatrists, social workers, and other mental health related professions,  providing consultation to local nonprofit organizations on African American mental health issues, and sponsorship of annual conferences which addresses mental health issues from an African American perspective.  Our annual conferences have covered a wide range of mental health related topics including child abuse, strength based interventions with African American families, and cultural competence training on cross cultural issues. For over forty years, the organization has continued to promote social change and support Black mental health professionals throughout the greater Los Angeles community, in concert with the mission of the national Association of Black Psychologists. The membership base of the SCABPsi primarily includes licensed psychologists, undergraduate and graduate students of psychology, Social Workers, related mental health professionals, and health professionals.  Our membership extends of all Southern Califoprmi, the Tri-Counties of Los Angeles County, San Bernadino County and Ventura County.
Our Mission
The Association of Black Psychologists sees its mission and destiny as the liberation of the African Mind, empowerment of the African Character, and enlivenment and illumination of the African Spirit.