Public Policy
Stay informed about public policies that impact the field of psychotherapy and mental health care. This section provides analysis and updates on legislation, regulations, and policy initiatives that influence the practice of psychotherapy.
50 articles found
“The Future’s in the Air. Can Feel it Everywhere.”
An Exciting Vision for the Future — Senior Administration Today the Veterans Administration (VA) provides care at 170 Medical Centers and 1,074 outpatient sites. The 2018 VA Projection Model developed estimates there were 19.5 million Veterans in 2020 and that by 2048 the number will be 13.6 million, a 43% decline. This year, 2021, there […]
Pat DeLeon, Ph.D.
June 1, 2021
Interstate Telehealth
Since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, there has been a dramatic increase in the use of telehealth – including an increase in the use of telehealth across state lines. Drs. Winkelman and Vivino explain the rules for providing interstate care and provide a framework for deciding how to handle situations when either the patient […]
Barbara L. Vivino, Ph.D. + 1 more
May 30, 2021
“How Does A Ragtag Volunteer Army In Need Of A Shower, Somehow Defeat A Global Superpower?”
The last major legislation which President Trump signed was the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (P.L.116-260). This legislation provided $1.4 trillion for the Fiscal Year 2021 federal government funding and $900 billion for the provisions to address the COVID-19 pandemic. Aimee Grace, formerly on the staff of Hawaii’s U.S. Senator Brian Schatz: “It has been […]
Pat DeLeon, Ph.D.
March 1, 2021
A Better World Is Possible
Though they may seem initially like an odd couple, psychology and abolition are inextricably linked. Abolition has meant many things throughout history, and in this paper, it is defined as the dismantling of the prison-industrial complex (PIC) and the creation of structures of accountability and care that are fundamentally non-punitive. Activist and organizer, Rachel Herzing, […]
Hannah Klukoff, B.A. + 1 more
December 1, 2020
Sunrise Doesn’t Last All Morning
Since having retired from the U.S. Senate staff after 38+ years, I have had the very rewarding opportunity to be actively engaged with the graduate students at the Uniformed Services University (USU), thereby experiencing higher education from an entirely different vantagepoint. Our colleagues in the health professions represent society’s educated elite. Accordingly, we have a […]
Pat DeLeon, Ph.D.
December 1, 2020
I’m Going Back to My Plough
Over the years, we have come to appreciate that the public policy/political process is a highly personal one in which those who successfully engage possess vision, long-term commitment, and perhaps most importantly, enthusiasm. There are always unexpected opportunities to be discovered – creative ways to accomplish one’s underlying objectives. Accordingly, I have been very pleased […]
Pat DeLeon, Ph.D.
August 27, 2020
How We Pay for Therapy, or, Imagine a World Without a Fee
These were the contradictory messages I received about one of the most anxiety-provoking tasks of the budding new therapist and entrepreneur–setting your fees. The first time we set our fee often reflects how we feel about the act of charging for psychotherapy, not how your clinic, your hospital, or your supervisor are paid. But how […]
Daniel Jose Gaztambide, Psy.D.
August 27, 2020
“Why Don’t We Paint the Town?”
The 127th APA Annual Convention Attending our annual APA convention has always been “my gift to me.” Unfortunately, for the first time, I had to miss this year’s gathering in the Windy City, due to the unexpected passing of my younger brother. I understand, however, that it was as inspiring as ever. One of the […]
Pat DeLeon, Ph.D.
October 30, 2019
Understanding the Psychotherapy Gap Through the Eyes of Our Community Partners
Psychotherapy as a field is no stranger to controversy, so let’s start with where we all agree. If you are a member of Division 29, chances are you believe in the mission of this organization which is to make the benefits of psychotherapy accessible to all. Next, we may agree that individuals with mental health […]
Courtney Benjamin Wolk, Ph.D. + 1 more
September 29, 2019
This Land is Your Land
This spring I had the wonderful opportunity, along with our colleagues Hortensia de los Angeles Amaro and Brian Smedley, to attend the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) Culture of Health stakeholder meeting Engaging Allies in the Culture of Health Movement. The expressed objectives of this particular meeting were to discuss why Anchor Institution (such as […]
Pat DeLeon, Ph.D.
September 2, 2019
“Come Gather ‘Round People Where Ever You Roam”
Colleagues with Exceptional Vision One of the advantages of being personally involved within the governance of APA, at either the national or state level, is that, over time, one becomes exposed to the wide range of professional issues which each of the nation’s health care professions must eventually address. The recent announcement by Walmart, for […]
Pat DeLeon, Ph.D.
April 15, 2019
Thrills, Chills, and Social Justice in Forensic Psychology
As I’ve reflected on the question of what made me choose forensic psychology as a profession, I realize that the answer may be a surprising one: heavy metal music and horror movies. The 1980s were a great time to be in high school and college. For an adolescent male with grief and loss (and subsequent […]
W. Neil Gowensmith, Ph.D.
December 12, 2018