Psychiatrists across the country are calling for RFK Jr to be replaced as health secretary. Two groups, the Southern California Psychiatry Society and the Committee to Protect Public Mental Health, both issued statements asking for his removal.

They said that his actions have worsened stigma, created fear, and limited access to care for those struggling with mental health and addiction. They described themselves as physicians committed to evidence-based care and said they are deeply alarmed by the path the secretary is taking the nation down.

In a response to the criticism, RFK Jr’s team said there is no truth to the accusations. They said their goal remains to fulfill the President’s promise to make America healthy again by removing the failed systems that have held the country back.

They added that they plan to restore public trust in health institutions and return decision making power to the American people.

The Southern California Psychiatry Society, which now represents more than one thousand clinicians, was among the first to publicly share its concerns.