International Cultic Studies Association
Empowering Minds. Advancing Research. Supporting Recovery.
Advancing education, research, and understanding of cultic influence since 1979.
ICSA advances knowledge and fosters open dialogue on cultic influence through research and education with the aim of supporting survivor recovery and deepening public understanding.
Our mission
ICSA fosters open dialogue and rigorous research on psychological manipulation and cultic influence. We provide education, support resources, and a safe space for survivors, families and professionals to advance understanding and challenge harmful ideologies.
Our vision
ICSA envisions a world where knowledge and critical discourse empower individuals and communities to recognize and respond to coercive influence, creating safer societies and stronger protections for those affected by cultic involvement.
OUR PILLARS
Knowledge, dialogue, and support
ICSA is not an activist or advocacy group but a unique non-profit organization grounded in three pillars: advancing knowledge, fostering open dialogue, and supporting recovery from cultic and coercive influence. Since 1979, it has contributed extensively to academic and recovery fields through its global network of contributors, numerous articles, books, and journals. ICSA connects survivors and families with educational resources, peer support groups, and counseling information, while facilitating collaboration across professional and lived-experience communities.
At its core, ICSA believes that no understanding of cultic influence is complete without engaging with all perspectives, even those that may be controversial or challenging. ICSA’s mission is to create a space where all information, research and viewpoints can be examined, questioned, and debated openly—rather than censored or suppressed. This commitment to intellectual rigor ensures that harmful ideologies can be exposed and countered through critical discussion rather than thriving in obscurity.
Each year, ICSA brings together researchers, mental health professionals, service providers, survivors, and families at its annual conference—an inclusive space for learning, connection, and community-building. Additional regional events, webinars, and virtual gatherings further expand access to vital resources and shared knowledge, particularly for those affected by cultic dynamics.
With a global reputation, diverse board, and relationships with major organizations across multiple countries, ICSA serves as a leading hub for knowledge, dialogue, and support in the field.
