To: Psychological Association (APA) and all Professionals in the Field of Mental Health

Subject: Urgent Need to Condemn Abuses of Psychology and Psychiatry in Iran 

We, the undersigned, call upon our colleagues and esteemed members of the psychological and psychiatric community, including the American Psychological Association, to urgently address and condemn the ongoing abuses of psychological science perpetrated in Iran to control and suppress women’s rights and freedoms.

Psychology and psychiatry are fields committed to enhancing mental well-being, based on a foundation of ethical principles, respect for human rights, and evidence-based practices. Recently, the establishment of centers in Iran that forcibly impose the hijab on women—under the guise of diagnosing personal choice as an addiction or mental illness—represents a grave violation of both ethical and scientific standards in mental health practices.

According to the American Psychological Association's Ethical Principles and Code of Conduct, psychology must always aim to support well-being and address, not perpetuate, social injustices. The misapplication of mental health science in Iran not only oppresses women but undermines the core values and validity of our discipline worldwide.

Furthermore, we are deeply concerned by the unethical transfer of political and ideological prisoners, such as Ahou Daryayi, to psychiatric hospitals in Iran. This practice is unconscionable, reflecting an abuse of psychiatry to silence and punish dissent, and stands in stark violation of human rights and ethical medical practice.

We must also address the violent rhetoric and actions in Iran against women and other gender identities, exacerbated by psychological organizations issuing homophobic statements. Such declarations erroneously label homosexual relationships as unethical and disordered, perpetuating discrimination and stigma.

The international community of mental health professionals is inherently tasked with advocating for societal prosperity and mental health. Silence in the face of these abuses directly contravenes our responsibilities and undermines public trust in psychological science.

In solidarity with those who seek to uphold the dignity and rights of all individuals, we urge the APA and all mental health professionals to:

1. Publicly condemn the ethical violations and misuse of psychology and psychiatry in Iran.
2. Advocate for the immediate cessation of unethical practices within Iran's psychological organizations.
3. Support global efforts to uphold the principles of human rights and mental health equality for all.

By signing this petition, we affirm our commitment to preserving the integrity of our discipline and standing against any form of psychological misuse for oppression and control.

Together, let us champion a future where psychological science is a unifying force for justice, respect, and human dignity.

This statement serves as both a call to action and reflection of our dedication to ethical practice and human rights advocacy within the field of psychology.