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
Psychology at a Crossroads: The Role of Town Halls in Building Bridges
Introduction to Town Halls and the Town Hall Speaker Attendees of the Presidential Town Hall from across the US and around the globe were excited to hear from the speaker, Lynn Bufka, PhD, ABPP. She was introduced to prospective attendees in advance, and registrants were encouraged to submit their questions during registration or prepare to […]
Charles Clark, MS + 1 more
May 5, 2026
From Research to Practice: Meet the Author Event Promotes International Dialogue in Psychotherapy
On January 24, 2026, the Society for the Advancement of Psychotherapy (SAP) China Chapter successfully hosted its member event Meet the Author. The event was jointly organized by SAP International Domain, and the SAP China Membership Engagement Committee of International Domain, and hosted by the Hubei Oriental Insight Mental Health Institute (OI). The event aimed […]
Di An, A + 3 more
March 17, 2026
“TAKE ONE FRESH AND TENDER KISS”
The Centennial APA President: On New Year’s Day, Jack Wiggins – the American Psychological Association’s Centennial President – celebrated his Centennial birthday. Twenty admirers gathered for a virtual birthday party on Zoom, to share tributes and remembrances, toasting and roasting throughout. The festivities culminated in heartfelt singing of “Happy Birthday.” An inspirational visionary, Jack shaped […]
Pat DeLeon, Ph.D.
January 17, 2026
Why Artificial Intelligence Will Not Replace Human Psychologists: Legal, Ethical, and Clinical Limitations
This article builds on previous arguments (Gavazzi, 2025a; Gavazzi, 2025b) stating that although AI technologies are rapidly advancing, they cannot replace human psychologists performing psychotherapy; this is simply the result of evolutionary advantages in humans across social, emotional, and cognitive domains that are essential for therapeutic interactions. In addition, these systems are unlikely to replace […]
John Gavazzi, PsyD, ABPP
December 29, 2025
SEISMIC CHANGES IN THE SCIENCE, PRACTICE, AND EDUCATION OF PSYCHOTHERAPY
A note from Stewart Cooper, PhD: As with most of society, the advancement of the practice, science, education, supervision, and administration of psychotherapy is facing a time of unparalleled change. It is certain that few psychologists have done more to advocate for the improvement of these very facets than Dr. Pat DeLeon. I invite you […]
Pat DeLeon, Ph.D. + 1 more
August 16, 2025
Increasing Accessibility to a Brief, Couple-Based Group Intervention for Veterans and their Intimate Partners: A Quality Improvement Project
Introduction Veterans experience relationship difficulties including divorce (Cohan et al., 2005; Mouritsen & Rastogi, 2013) and intimate partner violence (McGinn et al., 2017) at higher rates compared to non-Veterans. Veteran intimate relationships also present risk and protective factors for Veteran mental health service utilization (Logan et al., 2012), morbidity (Bolkan et al., 2013; Martin et […]
Narayan B. Singh, PhD, ABPP + 4 more
May 19, 2025
Beyond the Binary: Challenging American Gender Policies Through Philosophy, Biology, and Cultural History
The rigid binary classifications imposed by the American government on gender and the corresponding policies targeting transgender individuals rest on an outdated and essentialist understanding of sex and identity. These policies, which legislate bodies and identities through restrictive definitions, stand in stark contrast to both contemporary gender theory and a long history of cultural recognition […]
Limor Ast, LMFT
April 21, 2025
“COME GATHER ‘ROUND PEOPLE. WHEREVER YOU ROAM”
A Fascinating and Most Timely Experience: The Association of Jewish Psychologists (AJP) has been, for several months, planning a Mission Trip to Israel, that would be focused on the treatment of trauma and the generation of resiliency. Lenore Walker, a co-founder of AJP along with Beth Rom-Rymer, was selected as a Voice of the People […]
Pat DeLeon, Ph.D.
April 2, 2025
Legislative Protection of Identity Variables in Mental and Behavioral Health Research
We are writing to express our grave concern regarding Executive Order [EO]14168 (regarding Gender Ideology) and Executive Order [EO] 14151 (regarding Government DEI Programs). Executive Order 14168 mandates that federal agencies stop using gender identity-related terms in all official agency business, materials, and policies. Executive Order 14151 directs the termination of all mandates, programs, and […]
Wilson T. Trusty, Ph.D + 3 more
February 21, 2025
2024 President Elect’s Column 59 (4)
APA’s Population Health Model and Psychology Becoming a Multi-Tiered Profession: The Emerging Opportunity for the Society for the Advancement of Psychotherapy The Society for the Advancement of Psychotherapy (SAP) is a leading organization dedicated to the enhancement of psychotherapy practice, research, and education. Our mission is to promote mental health and well-being by supporting the […]
Stewart E. Cooper, Ph.D., ABPP
October 24, 2024
Out of Balance: National Institute of Mental Health Spending in 2012 and 2020
NIMH Study of Physiology, Treatment, and Psychotherapy In 2012, the NIMH spent 72% of its budget on studying physiology, i.e. the brain and genetics. In 2020, that percentage increased to 75%. Examples of studies include a 2012 study on neuronal signaling pathways during learning and their effects on memory and a 2020 study looking at […]
Al Galves, Ph.D.
September 30, 2024
YO, BIG SHAQ, THE ONE AND ONLY
The Vibrant Public Policy Process The public policy/legislative process is anything but static. It continues to evolve, reflecting subtle societal changes that many of our colleagues do not appreciate. Former APA President Ron Fox used to remind those of us interested in prescriptive authority (RxP) that visionary Ohio academic leaders were nursing’s critical RxP catalyst. […]
Pat DeLeon, Ph.D.
April 8, 2024