Psychology is an essential science: American Psychologist highlights the role of psychology in understanding and addressing COVID-19.

Psychology has much to contribute in terms of understanding and influencing the impact of the global coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. To disseminate articles on key issues related to the pandemic in a time-sensitive manner, American Psychologist opened its Call for Papers in spring 2020. The journal applied a rapid review mechanism in order to publish articles on important aspects of the pandemic quickly. The response from around the world has been striking. The editors are pleased to publish the first articles in this ongoing series in the current issue. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).