Members Value Conference, Networking, and Resources

ADAA asked and you responded. We had a terrific response to the October 2011 survey sent to our members.

Congratulations to the winners of the drawing from the survey:
Jack Hettema — weekend stay for two at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City
Mark Gaynor — one-night complimentary lodging at the Crystal Gateway Marriott during the annual conference
Gail Fenton Pesses, Charles Didley Jr., Lynn Martin — Starbucks gift cards

Here is a snapshot of those who responded (N=472; 33.5%):

• 12% joined less than one year ago.
• 40% have been members for 1–5 years.
• 38% have been members for 6–20 years.
• 10% joined over 20 years
• 58% clinicians
• 15% clinician-researchers
• 14% students
•   9% researchers
•   4% trainees, postdocs, residents

In 2010 ADAA established a standing committee on Membership, chaired by Karen Cassiday, to explore opportunities for member growth by enhancing value and relevancy. Committee members include Cindy Aaronson, Andrea Barmish, Eric Goodman, Luana Marques, Beth Salcedo, Lynne Siqueland, Aureen Wagner, and Erica Wagner-Heimann.

Positive Feedback

A preliminary analysis of the survey results is overwhelmingly positive. A true testament to the organization’s relevancy is that so many members consider ADAA as their professional home. They noted the following as the top five best aspects of membership:

1. ADAA Annual Conference
2. networking
3. Find a Therapist directory
4. Depression and Anxiety journal
5. website and resources for patients 

Nearly all (98 percent) members said they are likely to recommend membership to colleagues, students, postdocs, trainees, and residents. New trends are that nearly one-quarter of our members learned about ADAA through the Internet or our journal, Depression and Anxiety.

Value of Annual Conference

Little compares to the value of face-to-face contact and connections. Eighty-two percent of members highly value the annual conference and its networking opportunities. Most commented positively about the conference and the high quality of the content; the opportunity to engage with senior researchers and clinicians; and its friendly, collegial spirit.

Members appreciate the discounted registration fees that include CE/CME. Only 17 percent of respondents had never attended the conference. Less than 3 percent commented that the registration fees were too high.

Public and Professional Materials

Our efforts in public education and outreach are also valued. Members rely on ADAA as a source of credible materials, with more than 68 percent being interested in print, video, and audio materials for patients. Members also value the official ADAA journal, research updates in the e-newsletter, resources for practice guidelines, treatment information, and training. Indicative of a growing trend, over 50 percent were interested in ADAA offering web-based CE/CME programs.

The online Find a Therapist directory was cited as among the best aspects of membership. ADAA continues to field calls daily from consumers requesting referrals and materials. We have expanded the features of the directory to meet the questions asked by consumers and requests made by members. Get the most out of your listing: Take a moment to log in and update your profile and other demographic information.

Thanks to all of you who took time to respond to this survey. Your feedback is essential for the Board of Directors and Membership Committee to evaluate and develop activities that will benefit ADAA members.

To join the Membership Committee, membership [at] adaa [dot] org (please send an e-mail.)