Division 18 responds to the needs of the public in areas such as psychological practice, research, training, and policy formation. The division comprises six sections representing a variety of settings: Community and State Hospital, Criminal Justice, Police and Public Safety, Serious Mental Illness-Severe Emotional Disturbance, Students and Veterans Affairs. The division and its Sections provide a forum for its members to discuss common professional interests, to advocate for the mental health needs of the public, and to promote the use of evaluation and research in public research programs.
Mission statement
Division 18 is comprised of psychologists who work in public service settings, or who work with or conduct research focusing on people who utilize public sector services. Public service psychologists:
- Engage principally in public service through a common responsibility to carry out programs that are publicly legislated and funded and accountable to the public.
- Work directly and/or indirectly with underserved and marginalized communities or specialized populations who may not be best served elsewhere.
- Work for the good of the community in a clinical, consultative, research, and/or training capacity, or by serving those who serve the community.
- Advocate on behalf of or alongside underserved and marginalized communities or specialized populations served in publicly funded settings.
