The O'Leary Award for Innovation in Psychiatry

About this program

The APA Foundation established the O'Leary Award for Innovation in Psychiatry (named for Dr. Paul J. O’Leary) to provide $5,000 in seed funding and a plaque to launch innovative mental and behavioral health projects; applications open May 30 and close August 15, with the award presented at APA’s Annual Meeting. The award seeks proposals that reflect Dr. O’Leary’s values and prioritize business-oriented ideas that improve behavioral health team efficiency, expand access and economies of scale, and address crisis de‑escalation, stabilization, and wrap‑around recovery services. Eligibility is open to all APA members at any career stage, and non‑members may nominate an APA member. Submissions must include a statement of need plus specific, measurable goals and objectives describing funded activities and how they will improve efficiency and/or access to care.