Social Justice & Public Policy
This section is dedicated to the intersection of psychotherapy with social justice and public policy. Explore how psychotherapists can contribute to societal change, advocate for equitable policies, and address systemic issues that impact mental health.
7 articles found
Bronfenbrenner and Psychotherapy: A Tale by an Emerging Clinician
I was inspired to write this piece by my postdoctoral mentor, Joanna Drinane, who asked about the integration of my two programs of study. To make a long story short, I achieved my PhD in Human Development and Family Studies some years ago and joined the Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Program at the University […]
Rochelle C. Cassells, PhD
November 22, 2023
“Please Don’t Take Him Just Because You Can”
2018 Was A Great Year: In March, the APA Practice Leadership Conference (PLC) celebrated its 35th anniversary with over 300 colleagues honoring Katherine Nordal during her final PLC. “During my career, I have tried to embody and facilitate this affirming, strategic collaboration between practice and other parts of our discipline, connected groups and organizations, policymakers […]
Pat DeLeon, Ph.D.
November 22, 2023
The Impact of Dobbs v. Jackson on a Client’s Well Being and the Therapeutic Relationship
On June 24, 2022, the Supreme Court decided on Dobbs v. Jackson’s Women’s Health Organization, overturning 50 years of the landmark Roe v. Wade decision, which previously protected the right to healthcare privacy and abortion. States now have the right to set their own abortion laws, which vary enormously between states. For example, under California […]
Deanna Young, PsyD + 2 more
October 29, 2023
“Heard A Sound, Turned Around, Looking Up, Looking Down”
The Politically Divided 118th Congress: NBC News recently noted that more than 50 years ago, two female lawmakers led a Congressional Committee for the first time: the House of Representatives Select Committee on the Beauty Shop. This Congress, women will hold all four of the top positions on the House and Senate Appropriations Committees for […]
Pat DeLeon, Ph.D.
April 9, 2023
“We’ve Been Standing on Your Shoulders, Pete, for Oh, So Many Years… There’s a Banjo Ringing Somewhere and a Yodel in the Air”
“Blue Sky” Thinking – Emerging Trends, Priorities, and Opportunities: The National Academy of Medicine (NAM) released its Special Publication Priorities on the Health Horizon: Informing PCORI’s Strategic Plan in 2021. The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) was established as a component of President Obama’s Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act with the mission of identifying […]
Pat DeLeon, Ph.D.
January 5, 2023
Paying for Psychotherapy: Reframing an Antiquated Perspective
We live in an era that has been inescapably shaped by the COVID-19 global pandemic. Indeed, the anxiety and depressive symptoms of Americans rose by over 25% through the pandemic (CDC, 2022). While telehealth surged during the pandemic, there continue to be challenges for many individuals and families regarding the affordability of mental health care. […]
Caity Roe, BS + 6 more
January 5, 2023
“I Left My Heart in San Francisco”
The more than 12,300 colleagues who attended the 126th annual APA convention in San Francisco were especially fortunate to be gently reminded, especially during the remarkable Opening Session, why we had chosen psychology many years ago. The Keynote address by Attorney Bryan Stevenson provided an emotionally moving glimpse into the lives of those caught up […]
Pat DeLeon, Ph.D.
October 17, 2018