The International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA) is:

" ... an interdisciplinary network of academicians, professionals, former group members, and families who study and educate the public about social-psychological influence and control, authoritarianism, and zealotry in cultic groups, alternative movements, and other environments. Founded in 1979 as AFF (American Family Foundation ), ICSA took on its current name in late 2004 to better reflect the organization's focus and increasingly international and scholarly dimensions.

"ICSA, the leading professional organization concerned about cultic groups and psychological manipulation, is known for its professionalism and capacity to respond effectively to families, former and current group members, helping professionals, and scholars." [1]