Illinois
The Illinois Psychological Association (IPA) is hosting a night at Chicago's famous Second City comedy club. The event will be held during APA's Annual Convention on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019, at 7:30 p.m. Although we have reserved the “house,” tickets are going fast, and seating is limited. The event includes audience-inspired improvs with Second City and our local psychology improv group The Therapy Players. For more information, contact Marsha Karey.
IPA's Annual Fall Convention, Illuminating Intersectionality – The World Within the individual and the Individual within the World: Interconnected Identities in Science and Practice. November 14-16, at the Doubletree Lisle. Visit the IPA websiteopens in new window for more information.
Minnesota
The Minnesota Psychological Association (MPA) has had a successful spring. Despite bad weather, we had a tremendous turnout for our 2019 annual conference. This year's theme was “New Ideas That Will Change Your Clinical Practice.” We had two days filled with some great presentations, breakouts, networking opportunities and a chance to acknowledge members that have made strong contributions to psychology at our annual awards program. We have continued to have at least monthly education sessions and have finalized our programs throughout the end of the year. During the 2019 legislative session MPA was able to get a hearing on the 23.7% increase to psychologists in the medical assistance program for the first time in four years. An important advance was also the inclusion of the mental health parity language. To read a summary of our legislative session please click here. Finally, MPA is proud to announce that we were able to raise over $7,000 in donations for Argosy students in Minnesota that did not receive funds that had been guaranteed to them. We would like to thank all of our generous donors.
Missouri
Two bills supported by the Missouri Psychological Association (MOPA) were passed this legislative session. One bill guarantees psychologists the right diagnosis and treat individuals with developmental disabilities who are covered by commercial insurance. Prior to the passage of the bill, psychologists were guaranteed only the right to diagnosis autism spectrum disorders. A second bill reinstates Medicaid for prisoners once they are released from incarceration if they received it prior to incarceration. Previously these individuals would have to reapply for Medicaid, which could take months. If they were on medication while in prison, they would lose their ability to pay for it once released. It would also make it difficult to pay for needed psychological services. MOPA's held its annual conference in June and saw a strong increase in attendance. Keynote was APA's C. Vaile Wright, PhD.
Ohio
Carolyn Green, Ohio Psychological Association (OPA) director of membership and operations, has implemented two new member outreach programs that are getting great feedback. Monthly “good vibes” notes are emailed to all members, highlighting a member service and resource. A recent good vibes email provided information about several online tool kits that OPA committees have developed to provide help to members in dealing with insurance audits, practice management and practice marketing. Response to these messages has been very positive. Her other creative membership outreach idea is sending happy birthday messages to members. This has been a big hit with OPA members.