BEACON Charleston, W.Va.
CONTENTS • Page 1: Psychology 2016: “It’s a Wonderful Life” • Page 2: It’s all about the evidence • Page 3: Sequence of Training legislation passes! • Page 4: WVPA takes DC and Capitol Hill by storm • Page 5: News from the State Leadership Conference • Page 6: New details on stress in America • Page 7: These boots were made for walking • Page 14: SOT explained in graphic • Page 14: WVPA 2016 Board listed
Winter 2016
Vol. 38, No. 1
Psychology 2016: “It’s a Wonderful Life”
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s I mark my 30th year on this journey known as “clinical psychology,” I am reminded of that holiday film classic It’s a Wonderful Life. Not because the story itself is necessarily a reflection of my own journey, but simply that a chosen career in psychology has afforded me, indeed, a wonderful life. When I look back at the opportunities I have had to empower and help others, to teach, to supervise, to consult, to conduct research, to advocate for political change and to train others, I am truly in awe of the gift a career in psychology can provide. I have, at some point or another along the way, engaged in all of these activities and have had the freedom to choose how much of and when I wanted to engage in them. Why, just in the last few years, I have followed the urge to return to the training and teaching side of the profession (where I started at the ripe old age of 26 in 1990) after nearly 25 years in direct clinical service. I find myself wanting to pass on my knowledge and experience to the next generation
of psychologists. I want that next generation to understand the opportunities, the value and the importance of a career in psychology. And most importantly, I want them to know that, if they are willing to put in the time and effort to truly immerse themselves into the science, the outcome can often be “a wonderful life.” So with the majority of my journey already completed, I embark on yet another new adventure as President of The West Virginia Psychological Association. Dr. Scott Fields, our immediate past president, will be a very difficult act to follow. ServIt’s a wonderful life Continued on page 10
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Vol. 38, No. 1
It’s all about the evidence By WVPA Executive Director Diane Slaughter, CAE, APR, Fellow PRSA
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y cousin and I just debated the source of our differing perspectives on winter (and snow), and just reached an evidence-based conclusion: while our related parents came from Shinnston, W. Va., her mother was of Norwegian descent and raised in Minnesota, while my father was raised in Georgia and Alabama! We consider this familial DNA eveidence that explains the difference between her snow skis and my hibernating behavior! I will be more than glad to see the end of “that white stuff ” on the ground that she loves so much. I am more than willing to enjoy the fresh growth evident in the yard of my new home, such as the rings of daffodils, and even more delighted to see the growth in the West Virginia Psychological Association (WVPA). Dues renewals stand at 73.8% of budget, with onequarter of those members paying lower dues under our new structure than they did in 2014! With the addition of new membership categories, we are providing benefits to our current and soon-to-be current members by providing the services they need to maintain the highest levels of knowledge and professional standards. Your association is also working hard to manage your
money responsibly. We are pleased to announce receipt of a legislative grant from the American Psychological Association Practice Organization (APAPO) in the amount of $11,000. More about the impact of that assistance can be found elsewhere in this publication. In response to popular demand, the 2016 Spring CE Event will include a student poster session (with an online application process). That’s just one part of the great day Dr. Keith Beard and his committee have planned for the Spring CE Event on April 8 in Charleston. Full information is available online at www.wvpsychology.org. Please remember that members of WVPA enjoy a wide range of benefits, including: • top quality continuing education opportunities through an APA-approved sponsor; • web-based referral program; • legislative advocacy; • access to colleagues via subscription listservs; • extensive on-line membership directory; • Spring CE Event; • Fall CE Conference; • networking and practice building opportunities; • involvement on WVPA committees; • newsletter with quality and timely information regarding the profession;
• public outreach highlighting psychology and what psychologists do; • exciting career connections; and • deeply discounted rates for WVPA events. If you haven’t yet renewed your dues or joined the West Virginia Psychological Association, the evidence is clear...you and WVPA belong together! I look forward to seeing you in April!
WVPA BEACON is published four times a year by the West Virginia Psychological Association, Inc. Jeff Boggess, PhD, President Diane Slaughter CAE APR, Executive Director Jack Berkley, PsyD, Editor Lois Smith, Intern PO Box 58058 Charleston, WV 25358-0058 WVPA reserves the right to determine suitability of advertisements and content. Correspondence regarding subscriptions and changes of address should be directed to: WV Psychological Association, Inc. PO Box 58058, Charleston, WV 25358 (304) 345-5805 • info@wvpsychology.org WVPA BEACON is a membership service of the WVPA and may not be reproduced without permission. WVPA © 2016.
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Vol. 38, No. 1
Sequence of Training: A Tale of Persistence, Patience, and Collaboration By Jessica Luzier, PhD, ABPP
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hen Drs. Jess Luzier and Scott Fields were chosen to represent WVPA in a Reassembling Psychology Workgroup (chaired by William Brezinski) back in the late Spring of 2014, they quickly recognized they had joined a dedicated group of professionals who desired to work together on improving access to care for persons in our state and recruiting new psychologists. Dr. Luzier worked closely with the Ohio Psychological Association when she was a graduate student to change the licensure law to better reflect updated National standards for doctoral training, also known as “Sequence of Training” legislation. She and Dr. Fields lobbied the WVPA Board of Directors to pursue this licensure change, and they received unanimous support. From the summer of 2015 through the beginning of 2016, they gathered all stakeholders to support this legislation; these included the WVAPP Executive Board, Reassembling Psychology Workgroup, WV Board of Examiners of Psychology, WVU Counseling Psychology Doctoral program, WVU Clinical Psychology Doctoral program (special thanks to WVPA Past President Dr. Marty Boone for his assistance with both programs in Morgantown), and Marshall
University Psy.D. program. At last, in early 2016 with the expert guidance of Frank Hartman (WVPA lobbyist), the legislation was drafted and passed unanimously through the House Government Organization and Health Committees, the full House vote, the Senate Health committee and a full Senate vote. Drs. Fields and Luzier and Hartman were present for every committee hearing and spent countless hours discussing this change with legislators and other stakeholders at the State Capitol before it came to a vote. As this is written, we are awaiting Governor Tomblin’s signature on the bill. The Sequence of Training (SOT) legislation recognizes changes in the training model used for doctoral level providers and allows West Virginia to compete on a level playing field for psychologists who are prepared at the doctoral level compared to surrounding states. Furthermore, it provides more opportunity to retain qualified psychological providers who trained in West Virginia either as graduate students or doctoral psychology interns. Sequence of Training: What Does it Mean? The current licensure law in WV dictates that applicants with doctoral degrees must accrue
another year’s worth of clinical training hours during an approved post-doctoral training year. In the distant past, graduate students in psychology received little supervised clinical experience prior to the internship year, so the post-doctoral requirement was both sensible and necessary. There has been a dramatic shift in training since that time; current graduate students begin supervised clinical experience very early in their graduate programs, continuing these experiences throughout the four to seven years of training before internship. This SOT proposal does away with the restriction that one year’s worth of clinical hours must occur during a post-doctorate training year. Instead, the current proposal would allow doctoral graduates who have accrued the equivalent of two years of full time clinical training (3600 clinical hours) during their time in graduate training and on pre-doctoral internship to meet the qualification for applying for licensure upon graduation. SOT passes Continued on page 12
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Vol. 38, No. 1
WVPA takes DC and Capitol Hill by storm WVPA Federal Advocacy Coordinator Jessica Luzier, PhD, ABPP
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’m excited to return from another stimulating APA State Leadership Conference (SLC), held in Washington, D.C. from February 26 through March 1. This year, Drs. Jeff Boggess, Keith Beard, Penny Koontz, Emily Selby-Nelson, Neil Morris, and I represented the West Virginia delegation, along with APAGS Representative/WVPA Board Member Hannah Greenbaum and WVPA Executive Director Diane Slaughter. Drs. Nancy Ruddy, Arthur Evans, and Geoffrey Kanter presented the Opening Session on the many paths for psychologists in the evolving healthcare landscape, including integrated care, managing city-wide health programs and management services organization models for psychology. The conference continued for three days with phenomenal workshops, including the 2016 political landscape (Mark Shields had everyone
rolling with laughter!), membership challenges and trends, and even micro-aggressions in state psychological associations. I was thrilled to raise the funds necessary to attend a Black Tie Dinner supporting Ted Strickland, the first psychologist running for a U.S. Senate seat.
We gathered together with our five federal legislators on Capitol Hill on March 1 to deliver the concerns of WVPA takes DC Continued on page 8
WVPA leaders shown above visiting with Senator Shelley Capito are, from left, President-elect Keith Beard, PsyD, Rural Health Coordinator Emily SelbyNelson, PsyD, Sen. Caito, Federal Advocacy Coordinator Jessica Luzier, PhD, ABPP, Treasurer Penny Koontz, PsyD, Student Representative Hannah Greenbaum and President Jeff Boggess, PhD. The WVPA delegation also visited with Congressmen Evan Jenkins, below left, and Alex Mooney, below right.
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Vol. 38, No. 1
News From the State Leadershipby APA Conference Practice Central Communications Staff
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pproximately 400 psychology leaders from the United States, its territories and Canada gathered in Washington, D.C., from Feb. 27-March 1 during the 2016 State Leadership Conference (SLC) to learn, network and gather ideas to take home. Nearly a third of the leaders were early career psychologists. The annual event, sponsored by the American Psychological Association and APA Practice Organization, provided an important opportunity for leaders to come together to engage in advocacy efforts that are vital to professional psychology. Congressional Management Foundation research shows that visits from constituents is by far the most influential form of advocacy. On the final day of the conference, SLC attendees took the following advocacy messages to meetings on Capitol Hill with members of Congress and their staff: • Co-sponsor the Medicare Mental Health Access Act H.R. 4277 and S. 2597. • Enact consensus, bipartisan mental health reform legislation (H.R. 2646 and S. 1945). This year’s conference — with its theme of expanding the practice spectrum — explored both new and traditional models of psychological practice in the
changing health care marketplace. The theme grew out of a successful multistate summit on integrated health care and alternative practice models held in New York last May. APA Executive Director for Professional Practice Katherine C. Nordal, PhD, welcomed SLC participants with an address that set the stage for the theme and highlighted conference programming. The opening session featured presentations from three psychologist innovators, Nancy Breen Ruddy, PhD, Arthur C. Evans, PhD, and Geoffrey Kanter, PhD, ABN, ABPdN. The presenters, respectively,
spoke about easy steps any clinical practice can take to work with medical practices in the community, ways psychologists can improve the health outcomes of underserved populations through creative engagement, and a management services organization model that can streamline the business of practice, while letting smaller practices share in the resources and marketing power of a larger entity. Psychology leaders had many questions for the presenters in the town hall style discussion that followed the presentaNews from SLC Continued on page 8
Treasurer Penny Koontz, PsyD, is joined by APA President-elect Antonio E. Puente, PhD, WVPA President-elect Keith Beard, PsyD and President Jeff Boggess, PhD, during the 2016 State Leadership Conference.
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Vol. 38, No. 1
Discrimination tied to more stress, poorer health by APA Communications Staff Stress in America™ poll shows many who experience discrimination live in heightened state of vigilance due to anticipated discrimination early half of U.S. adults report they have experienced a major form of unfair treatment or discrimination, including being unfairly questioned or threatened by police, being fired or passed over for promotion or treated unfairly when receiving health care. These acts of discrimination are associated with higher reported stress levels and poorer reported health, according to the survey Stress in America™: The Impact of Discrimination released earlier this month by the American Psychological Association (APA). The survey, which was conducted online by Harris Poll on behalf of APA among 3,361 adults in August 2015, found that nearly seven in 10 adults in the U.S. report having experienced discrimination, and 61 percent said they experience day-to-day discrimination, such as being treated with less courtesy or respect, receiving poorer service than others, or being threatened or harassed. Black adults are among the most likely to report experiencing some sort of discrimination. More than three in four
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black adults report experiencing day-to-day discrimination and nearly two in five black men say that police have unfairly stopped, searched, questioned, physically threatened or abused them. Black, Asian, Hispanic and American Indian/Alaska native adults report that race is the main reason they have experienced discrimination. “It’s clear that discrimination is widespread and impacts many people, whether it is due to race, ethnicity, age, disability, gender or sexual orientation,” said Jaime Diaz-Granados, PhD, APA’s executive director for education. “And when people frequently experience unfair treatment, it can contribute to increased stress and poorer health.” For many adults, even the anticipation of discrimination contributes to stress. Three in 10 Hispanic and black adults who report experiencing day-to-day discrimination at least once a week say that they feel they have to be very careful about their appearance to get good service or avoid harassment. This heightened state of vigilance among those experiencing discrimination also includes trying to prepare for insults from others before leaving home and taking care of what they say and how they say it. The results from this year’s Stress in America™ survey also
suggest that there are significant disparities in the experience of stress itself, and that stress also may be associated with other health disparities. The nearly one-quarter (23 percent) of adults who report that their health is only “fair” or “poor” have a higher reported stress level on average than those who rate their stress as “very good” or “excellent.” Certain populations consistently struggle with stress more than others, such as Hispanic adults, who report the highest stress levels on average. Younger generations, women, adults with disabilities, and adults who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender also report higher average stress levels and are more likely than their counterparts to say that their stress has increased since last year. “Stress takes a toll on our health, and nearly one-quarter of all adults say they don’t always have access to the health care they need,” said Cynthia Belar, PhD, APA’s interim chief executive officer. “In particular, Hispanics—who reported the highest stress levels—were more likely to say they can’t access a non-emergency doctor when they need one. This year’s survey shows that certain subsets of our population are less healthy Stress in America Continued on page 11
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Vol. 38, No. 1
These boots are made for walkin’By former APA President Pat DeLeon, PhD
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or the past several conventions, I have had the exciting opportunity to join with visionary colleagues (from a broad range of professional backgrounds) hosting symposia addressing the wide range of issues surrounding “meaningful retirement.” All of us have noticed that a number of our well-known senior colleagues have “opted out” of their historical involvement within the APA governance, with even some Past Presidents no longer attending the annual conventions – perhaps as a result of “physical challenges.” Involvement in APA has historically provided meaningful social and emotional support for all of us, not to mention considerable status and societal respect. As psychologists, we know that this is important for one’s health and well-being. This year in Denver, long time public servant Rod Baker will discuss his evolution towards writing that novel that he had always thought he would do in retirement – finding fun and a sense of accomplishment and purpose, such that he now looks forward to spending most of his time in retirement with that activity. Walter Penk, last year’s recipient of an APF Gold Medal Award and now in his 80’s, continues to work tirelessly on behalf of our nation’s veterans
and especially those returning to universities as students. Walter embraces three goals -- reading, writing and running. Running, as physical and mental health are essential; not just when young, but especially when older. Ellen Cole has undertaken the challenge of confronting aging discrimination. Still academically-based, the highlights of her journey include teaching Introductory Psychology to high school students, going back to school to earn her Master’s degree in Applied Positive Psychology (her biggest adventure), and continuing her active journal involvement. Our audiences seem to enjoy themselves, suggesting additional topics for the following year; for example, the stress of dealing with major physical difficulties. From our perspective, these thought-provoking discussions touch upon foundational issues that will increase in importance for all professional associations, as their membership gradually ages and their next generation matures and takes center stage. Over the years, APA has had truly outstanding individuals serving for a year in Washington, DC under its Congressional and Executive Branch Science Fellowship program. During the 2003 Toronto convention, Fellow Neil Kirschner has opined: “More often than not, research
findings in the legislative arena are only valued if consistent with conclusions based upon the more salient political decision factors. Thus, within the legislative setting, research data are not used to drive decision-making decisions, but more frequently are used to support decisions made based upon other factors. As psychologists, we need to be aware of this basic difference between the role of research in science settings and the legislative world. It makes the role of the researcher who wants to put ‘into play’ available research results into a public policy deliberation more complex. Data needs to be introduced, explained, or framed in a manner cognizant of the political exigencies. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of efforts to educate our legislators on the importance and long-term effectiveness of basing decisions on quality research data. If I’ve learned anything on the Hill, it is the importance of political advocacy if you desire a change in public policy.” Neil will soon be “retiring” from the American College of Physicians (ACP) on his 70th birthday. Boots made for walkin’ Continued on page 12
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Vol. 38, No. 1 WVPA takes DC Continued from page 4 psychologists across the nation. Our meetings included Senators Manchin and Capito, and Representatives Mooney, McKinley and Jenkins. The APA Government Relations staff provided guidance on lobbying specific to two primary issues. First, we asked Congress to increase access to mental health care by including psychologists in the Medicare “physician” definition (currently including physicians, chiropractors, dentists, podiatrists and all other doctoral trained health providers). This would improve efficiency of care to beneficiaries with no changes to psychologists’ scope of practice and little projected cost. Our second topic was to encourage lawmakers to enact comprehensive, bipartisan mental health reform. This is another particularly salient issue to legislators, especially in the wake of numerous mass shootings. I am delighted to report that our meetings this year were the best I’ve ever experienced: our message resonated with our federal legislators, many of whom are already co-sponsors on this legislation. How can you get involved and stay informed in federal issues of importance to psychologists? Three ways come to mind. First, if you’d like to join WVPA’s Federal Advocacy Committee, send me an email at Jes-
sica.luzier@gmail. com. Second, join the APA Practice Organization, and respond to Information and Action Alerts I routinely disseminate. This is the easiest and most practical way to make an impact with our legislators on a grassroots level. Sending an email in the Capwiz system takes less than 30 seconds! The complete WVPA deleegation included (front row, from Third, donate to the APAPO- left) President-elect Dr. Keith Beard, Rural Health CoordiPAC. Congress is nator Dr. Emily Selby-Nelson, Board Student Representamaking decisions tive Hannah Greenbaum, (back row, from left) Executive now that affect Director Diane Slaughter, President Dr. Jeff Boggess, Federal Advocacy Coordinator Dr. Jessica Luzier and Treapsychologists; through the PAC, surer Dr. Penny Koontz. Not shown was Dr. Neal Morris. we can plan an heard. Donations are accepted active role in the federal electhrough www.supportpsycholotion process and have our voices gypac.org. News from SLC Continued from page 5 tions. Subsequent workshops further explored many of the themes raised by the opening session speakers.
Conference content on alternative practice models and integration will be replicated in upcoming regional summits in Washington, D.C., on May 20 and Chicago on June 24. Videos of the welcoming remarks and opening session will be available online at the APA Practice Organization’s Practice Central website in the coming weeks. At left, Drs. Koontz and Selby-Nelson participate in Hill visit training exercises.
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Vol. 38, No. 1
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Vol. 38, No. 1 It’s a wonderful life Continued from page 1 ing as President-elect in 2015 afforded me the opportunity to observe firsthand the formidable skills Dr. Fields brought to the office. Intelligent, passionate, and with an uncanny ability to resolve conflict, his talents were on display throughout his tenure, and yet he could always bring a unique sense of humor to lighten the mood. My hat is off to you, Dr. Fields, and I will be seeking your guidance often throughout 2016. In fact, my hat is off for the entire WVPA Board of Directors who have taught me so much over the past year and who will again (with some new and some familiar faces) be relied upon for their wisdom and experience in guiding the association. But follow I must, and with everyone’s help, I hope to further the gains made over the past few years. So where are we going in 2016? Over the last several years, WVPA has made significant strides in the areas of advocacy, membership and student involvement. Is there any reason to take the focus off of these important areas for 2016? Absolutely not! In fact, these areas will remain in focus for 2016 and I would add another for my 2016 agenda: public education. More specifically, public education about what it means to be a psychologist. Over the course of my career, I have been continually amazed at how little others
know about what it means to be a psychologist. I’ve seen it at state and national levels when talking to legislators. I‘ve seen it among other professionals ranging from medical to legal. I’ve seen it among students from middle school to graduate school. And I’ve seen it among the general public. We are not psychiatrists. We are not social workers. We are not “just therapists” (I’ve always disliked that term and prefer “clinician”). So in 2016 I hope to organize an education campaign that will focus on helping the general public understand the real meaning of the title “psychologist” while at the same time helping prospective students contemplating the field to understand why the training is so extensive, demanding and yet worthwhile. How can you help with these areas of focus? Get involved! First and foremost, advocate: My eyes have been opened over the past several years regarding just how important this area has become for our field. What is the best way to protect your license and your scope of practice? It’s not malpractice insurance, it is advocacy. The field of psychology is constantly “under attack” by other fields and professions hoping to gain a little ground on the ever shrinking providers’ playing field. I heard horror story after horror story at last year’s State Leadership Conference pertaining to quasi mental health special-
ties lobbying to use traditional psychology billing codes within their own scope of practice. And who was fighting back against these efforts? The State Psychological Organizations. Your membership in WVPA is your best insurance policy. As I write this, bills are being proposed in our state legislature that focus on mental health with no mention of psychology in them whatsoever. A weak WVPA means a weak defense at the state capitol. Second, educate others as to the need to grow our state organization. What are the advantages? There are too many to mention in the scope of this article, but we all know the benefits. Psychologists need peer support, they need networking opportunities, they need mentoring, they need their voices heard, and they need continual education. WVPA strives to provide and help organize all of these professional activities. Thanks to the experience of organizing of last year’s educational events and the networking that ensued, I was able to find out about and apply for my current position. That’s right, a career change through networking at the tender age of 51. Third, support and mentor students and early career psychologists. There was no such category as “early career psychologist” (ECP) when It’s a wonderful life Continued on page 11
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Vol. 38, No. 1
It’s a wonderful life Continued from page 10 I earned my Ph.D. 25 years ago. You were pretty much on your own once that license was obtained. Thank goodness that has changed! The future of our state organization lies with our current ECPs and students. We have recently changed our bylaws to make sure an ECP is always on the Board of WVPA. In recent years, some of the more outstanding contributions
to our organization have come from ECPs. We have renewed efforts to reduce costs for student members and have made sure they have opportunities to present, attend and participate at our state events. We need to continue to help these students with their careers and help them to see the benefits of a commitment to the science. And last, but not least ... educate those around you. Stand up for psychology! Let them
know what it means to be a scientist, a practitioner and a scholar all rolled into one. Let them know that you are a different kind of “doctor” for a reason. Let them know that the title means something and represents hard work and a lifetime commitment. And, of course, let that younger generation know that becoming a psychologist can indeed lead to “a wonderful life.”
Stress in America Continued from page 6
who experienced discrimination and had emotional support were twice as likely to say that they coped quite or very well compared with those adults who experienced discrimination but did not have emotional support (65 percent vs. 37 percent of those who reported not having emotional support). Since 2007, the survey has found that money and work are consistently the top two sources of significant stress (67 percent and 65 percent in 2015, respectively). This year, for the first time, the survey found that family responsibilities were the third most common stressor (54 percent), followed by personal health concerns (51 percent), health problems affecting their family (50 percent), and the economy (50 percent). While average reported stress levels in the United States have increased slightly in the past two years (5.1 in 2015
and 4.9 in 2014 on a 10-point scale, where 1 is “little or no stress” and 10 is “a great deal of stress”), adults are more likely than in past years to report experiencing extreme stress (a rating of 8, 9 or 10 on a 10-point scale). Twenty-four percent of adults report these levels, compared with 18 percent in 2014. This represents the highest percentage reporting extreme stress since 2010. To read the full Stress in America™ report, visit www. stressinamerica.org (/news/ press/releases/stress/index. aspx). For additional information on stress, lifestyle and behaviors, visit www.apa.org/helpcenter (/ helpcenter/index.aspx). Join the conversation on Twitter by following @APAHelpCenter and #stressAPA.
than others and are not receiving the same level of care as adults in general. This is an issue that must be addressed.” The report uncovered some good news about stress management related to discrimination. Despite their stress, the majority of adults (59 percent) who report experiencing discrimination feel that they have dealt quite well or very well with it and any resulting changes or problems. In addition, many adults report having a positive outlook, and survey findings point to the strong impact of emotional support. Having someone they can ask for emotional support if they need it, such as talking about problems or helping them make a difficult decision, appears to improve the way that individuals view their ability to cope with discrimination. Adults
To read the full methodology, including the weighting variables, visit www.stressinamerica. org (/news/press/releases/stress/index. aspx) .
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Vol. 38, No. 1 SOT passes Continued from page 3 Because the WV Psychology Licensure law is written in both Rule and Code, this change will be a two-step process (see chart below). The first step was to amend the language in the Code to reflect the 1800 hours requirement for internship. The SOT will be fully integrated when the WV Board of Examiners of Psychology lobbies to amend the Rule portion of the legislation, likely in the Summer of 2016. This SOT proposal does not preclude applicants from gaining post-doctoral experiences. Importantly, post-doctoral experiences are still encouraged for many psychologists for the purposes of specialization (such as in health psychology) or to improve skills in research or with specific client populations. This SOT change would provide an option for those psychologists who wish to immediately begin practice to sit for their oral exams and potentially become licensed upon completion of their doctorate. Changing the Sequence of Training Benefits WV • Clients would have greater access to highly trained mental health professionals because the change would attract doctoral psychologists to WV. Twelve other states have already made this SOT change in the past few years, including the border states of Kentucky, Maryland, and Ohio. It is highly
likely that we will lose fewer applicants to these other states by improving efficiency of licensure in WV. • Psychology graduates would be able to get licensed faster, increasing employment opportunities and propelling them into positions with higher salaries than those for unlicensed post-doctorates. • Psychology graduates would be eligible for federal loan repayment programs. For instance, if one of these graduates works in a rural, federally qualified health center within the state for five years through the National Health Service Corps program, his/her student debt is waived. However, graduates are not eligible for the loan repayment program unless they are fully licensed. Because of this, to stay in WV, graduates must now work their first year for a lower salary, begin to make payments on their student debt, and ultimately cannot count that year as one of the five years required in order to forgive the loans. This third benefit is crucial as it applies to access for clients to see psychologists in rural areas. • This will help our graduate training programs, particularly Marshall University, as they recruit psychologists as faculty. Those faculty have to be licensed to perform clinical duties. Some of them come from states where they are already licensed but do not meet the WV licensure requirements.
Data from adjoining states who have made this change Dr. Luzier connected with surrounding states who have made this SOT change to gather observations and effects. The consensus is that there has been an increase in the number of applicants. For instance, in Ohio the number of new licensees has increased by 58% within two years of the law change. At the same time, there has been no increase in disciplinary actions or ethics complaints against these new applicants who earned licenses without completing a post-doctoral training year. For More Information • Contact Dr. Luzier at Jessica. luzier@gmail.com. • Contact Frank Hartman at frank@hartmanlga.com.
Please see the descriptive graphic on page 14 that explains the impact of the SOT bill.
Page 13 Boots made for walkin’ Continued from page 7 Under Neil’s guidance, the ACP Health and Public Policy Committee recently recommended: * That ACP support the integration of behavioral health care into primary care and encourage its members to address behavioral health issues within the limits of their competencies and resources. * That ACP recommend that public and private health insurance payers, policymakers, and primary care and behavioral health care professionals work toward removing payment barriers that impede behavioral health and primary care integration. Stakeholders should ensure the availability of adequate financial resources to support the practice infrastructure required to effectively provide such care. * That ACP encourage efforts by federal and state governments, relevant training programs and continuing education providers to ensure an adequate workforce to provide for integrated behavioral health care in the primary care setting. * That ACP recommend that all relevant stakeholders initiate programs to reduce the stigma associated with behavioral health. These must address the negative perceptions held by the gen-
Vol. 38, No. 1 eral population and by many physicians and other health care professionals. And, * Physicians and other health care professionals will have to consider the behavioral and physical health of the patient if they are to be treated as a “whole person.” Another psychologist visionary, Mitch Prinstein, recently conducted a survey of psychologists for Division 53 (the Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychologists) exploring their perceptions of how the field will change in the next couple of decades. There was a very impressive response rate with 619 individuals participating; 46.0% indicated they were practitioners, while 17.3% were students. Independent practice and university-research were their two top workplaces. When asked: “As compared to now, clinical psychologists will be engaged in much MORE... in 2032”; Clinical Services (26%) and Interdisciplinary Collaboration (21%) were the two top noted. When asked: “In 2032, clinical psychologists will need to be much more competent in….”; Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Psychopharmacology, Prescribing, Medical Settings, received 10% of the vote. Clinical Services received 23% of the vote; and of those votes, Technology Based Work received 16.2%, second only to Evidence-Based Practice in Psychology (EBPP) which received 30.9%. Clearly, there is the growing percep-
tion in the field that significant change is upon us. The Next Generation Today’s champion for prescriptive authority (RxP) is Beth Rom-Rymer, a longtime member of the Council of Representatives. “Probably my greatest inspiration, as I criss-cross Illinois and our country, talking about the mounting enthusiasm for prescriptive authority, are the words, themselves, of our (more than 100) prescribing psychologists in training: ‘My decision to seek prescriptive authority is part of the natural evolution in my continuing efforts to serve underserved and Spanish-speaking communities. It is borne from personal experience with trauma, as well as from my many work experiences in which I’ve seen patients wait for extended periods of time, and/or travel over two hours, one way, for a psychiatric appointment. In my current and recent jobs, our institutions have struggled to hire psychiatrists. However, we could not locate any candidates in over two years of active recruitment. I want to meet these glaring needs. As Illinois progresses, I look forward to collaborating with colleagues in other states so that prescribing psychologists become a national healthcare standard.’
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Roster of 2016 WVPA Board of Directors President (2016) Jeff Boggess, Ph.D. Marshall University Dept. of Psychology One John Marshall Drive Huntington, WV 25755 304.696.3399 brudr@suddenlink.net President-Elect (2016) Keith Beard, Psy.D. Marshall University Dept. of Psychology One John Marshall Drive Huntington, WV 25755 304.696.2781 beard@marshall.edu Secretary (2016-2018) Lisa Ryan, Psy.D. (304) 647-6272 lisajoy1513@gmail.com Treasurer (2015-2017) Penny Koontz, Psy.D. One John Marshall Drive Huntington, WV 25755 304.696.2768 koontz7@marshall.edu
Past President (2016) Scott Fields, Ph.D. WVU SOM; Dept. of Family Medicine 3200 MacCorkle Ave., SE Charleston, WV 25304 304.388.4649 sfields@hsc.wvu.edu Representative-at-Large (2015-2016) Pamela Dean, Ph.D. Seattle VA Hospital 1600 S. Columbian Way, S-116-ATC Seattle, WA 98108 619.929.1695 pamela.m.dean@gmail.com Representative-at-Large (2016-2017) Sarah Jarvis, Psy.D. Ona, WV 304.416.2315 wilson148@marshall.edu Student Representative (2016-2017) Hannah Greenbaum West Virginia University Mrgantown, WV 26505 916.628.7886 hgreenba1@gmail.com
APA Council Rep (2016-2018) Martin Amerikaner, Ph.D. Marshall University, Dept. of Psychology Huntington, WV 25755 304.636.2783 amerikan@marshall.edu Parliamentarian (2016) Neal R. Morris, EdD, MS, CBSM, ABPP Mental Health Services of Moorefield PO Box 553 Moorefield, WV 26836 304.530.6748 nmorrisedd@yahoo.com Executive Director Diane Slaughter, CAE, APR, Fellow PO Box 58058, Charleston WV 25358 304.345.5805 info@wvpsychology.org