Division 18 - Psychologists in Public Service

1. In your opinion, what is the single most important issue facing public service psychologists?

Bringing awareness to the concerns and issues for individuals served by the public service arena is one of our most important roles as a psychologist - that of a social advocate. Exposing the plight of groups such as the chronically mentally ill, persons in correctional facilities, veterans and other underserved populations can be difficult due to society's hesitancy to make these groups visible and own up to social responsibility. So the question becomes how do we provide quality service in the most effective manner - especially in an era when nationally, mental health funding is so short? In addition, how do we work to keep the hope alive for these clients and ourselves when resources are inadequate? How do we convey the invaluable work of public service psychologists to the public? Answers to these questions as well as further investigation into prescription privileges, increased national research funding and a push for fair compensation for such meaningful work are key to our field's future.

2. Much of the treatment for persons with serious mental illness is provided by Division 18 members.  What can we do, and what can APA do, to improve care for these individuals?

We must find ways to give voice to the need for treatment for persons with serious mental illness. We must educate the public including governmental bodies to better understand the needs of these individuals. It is of the utmost importance to increase collaboration with medical and social agencies as well as educators to provide this needed care and we must lobby actively as a united coalition for the dollars necessary to insure these crucial services. All Divisions, SPTPAs, all non-affiliated psychologists must be a part of this circle if we are to make a meaningful difference.

3. Do you see public service concerns as underrepresented in APA and in state psychological associations?  If so, what should be done to remedy the problem?

4. What are your plans for increasing diverse representation in APA governance?

I plan to fully support the recommendations from the Presidential task force on Enhancing Diversity within APA and to extend these recommendations to all groups who may feel unwelcome and underrepresented. There is more than enough work for us to do and resources to share to get the job done. We must remember that when we include every one of us we are a powerful organization that really can change the world.

5. What contributions can/should public service psychologists provide to correctional systems?

I serve on a board called "Second Chance-Ready for Work." This board is charged with finding ways to support felons through a "second chance" and explores opportunities to turn their lives around. We believe we must also find ways to reduce our prison population. Private corporations building prisons, actually use the national numbers of 4 th grade African American males, to determine the number of prison beds they will need. Such concerns need to become a focus for all psychologists and especially public service professionals. We must and can find better ways to address prison conditions while intervening in the lives of young children in order to change such dynamics. That means that we must collaborate across all specializations and with both practitioners and scientists to work together to change our correctional systems, our educational systems and our family systems if we truly want to make a difference.

Psychologists must also assist correctional systems in finding and incorporating behavioral change systems that rehabilitate and reduce recidivism. It is imperative that our correctional systems switch from a warehouse mentality towards that of a change agent. We must continue to serve as consultants and trainers to make these changes possible.

6. On what other issues would you like Division 18 members to know your positions?

I am deeply committed to using the practice and science of psychology to make APA and the profession of psychology even stronger. We must work collaboratively if we are to make a major difference on significant problems. My campaign theme is "Exclusion is Easier, but Inclusion is Power." We must work to draw a powerful circle of inclusion that allows us to use science and practice in a problem-based, solution-focused approach in dealing with issues that matter. For instance, if Division 18 already knows the single most important issue facing public service psychologists then we should be convening scientists and practitioners to come together to work on solving this issue. While any major problem takes a long time to solve, solutions only come when committed people come together to delve into the intricacies of the problem and propose feasible solutions with action in mind. This is how we have begun working on diversity within APA. And this is how I believe we can solve issues such as those noted in the PENS report. Our answers are within our science and our practice.