The SGPP was founded in 1895 and has over 2000 members who work in universities, in various psychiatric institutions or in psychiatric-psychotherapeutic practices. All cantonal psychiatric associations and affiliated specialist societies are organized in the SGPP.
As a professional association, they represent the concerns of their members in relation to the medical profession, insurance companies and politicians. They take care of further education and training, quality assurance and much more.
They are also committed to the recognition of mentally ill people and good psychiatric and psychotherapeutic care.