International Cultic Studies Association

Information on cults, cultic groups, psychological manipulation, psychological abuse, spiritual abuse, brainwashing, mind control, thought reform, abusive churches, extremism, totalistic groups, new religious movements, alternative and mainstream religions, group dynamics, exit counseling, recovery, and practical suggestions for those affected by or interested in these subjects

Please see our new site, www.icsahome.com, which has new material and a more helpful structure.

Founded in 1979, the International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA) is a global network of people concerned about psychological manipulation and abuse in cultic groups, alternative movements, and other environments. In order to help affected families and individuals, enhance the skills of helping professionals, and forewarn those who might become involved in harmful group situations, ICSA collects and disseminates information through periodicals and Web sites, conducts and encourages research, maintains an information phone line, and runs workshops and conferences.

ICSA consists of and responds to the needs of people interested in cults, new religious movements, sects, spiritual abuse, and related groups and topics, including:

• researchers
• helping professionals
• former members of cults or related groups
• families of people who are or have been involved in cults or related groups 
• educators
• legal professionals
• clergy
• journalists
• students

Based upon our philosophy and the needs of those whom we serve,  ICSA provides:

• an annual conference typically attended by 200 people, including 50-100 speakers
• special workshops for former members of cults or related groups, families of people involved in cults or related groups, mental health professionals, and others
• an e-library of quality information (more than 12,000 documents) on cults, new religious movements, sects, spiritual abuse, and related groups and topics
• an e-newsletter and a journal that describe new developments in the cultic studies field
• perspectives on how to evaluate and use information to deal effectively with problems related to cults, new religious movements, sects, spiritual abuse, and related groups and topics
• the opportunity to network with families, former members of cults or related groups, helping professionals, researchers, and others interested in the cultic studies field