The first virtual APA convention kicked off in August, with more than 13,000 psychologists registering for the event. Div. 31 is grateful to all of the presenters who were able to adapt their presentations for use on the new platform. We would also like to extend our appreciation to all the APA staff members who put in countless hours behind the scenes to prepare us all for the virtual environment. Although convention is often a time of high energy, the additional effort to bring the convention together this year cannot be understated. Through everyone’s hard work, the following programs associated with SPTA interests can be found on the platform:
CPT Use and Advocacy: What You Need to Know
This symposium provides an update on the importance of SPTA involvement in advocacy efforts for CPT codes, multidisciplinary applications, and how the most recent assessment codes were created. Participants: Kathleen Brown, PhD, Jennifer Kelly, PhD, and Antonio Puente, PhD.
Psychologists’ Impact on Public Policy and Law: Legislative Collaboration with Results
This session discusses the importance of psychological science in policy decision and encourages psychologists to participate in these decisions. There is also a focus on developing this skillset and being involved as a student. Participants: Jorge Wong, PhD, Joshua Heitzmann, PhD, Evan Low, Aimee Zhang, William Chan, and Maureen O’Connor, PhD, JD.
Lessons Learned From Small State Psychological Associations: Growing Membership and Setting Priorities
Important symposium for any state associations struggling to recruit and maintain members. Presenters discuss strategies for mediating these losses, including communi-cating value to members. Examples from several associations are provided. Participants: Meghan Butler, PsyD, Jessica Guite, PhD, Anne Klee, PhD, Mark Spellmann, PhD, Peter Oppenheimer, PhD, and Elisabeth Gibbings, PhD.
Training a Workforce in Pain Management Through SPTAs
This symposium addresses the importance of advocacy and training in regard to chronic pain conditions. Presenters discuss the particular importance of collaboration between APA and SPTAs. Participants: Elena Eisman, EdD, Jennifer Kelly, PhD, Ravi Prasad, PhD, and Daniel Bruns, PsyD.
Each year at convention, Div. 31 offers awards that “recognize psychologists, executive directors as well as psychological associations for their many important professional contributions.” Although it was different to celebrate these achievements virtually this year, we are thrilled to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our award recipients. Please do not forget to nominate your SPTA or colleagues for APA 2021 in San Diego, California (or virtually). Descriptions of the following awards can be found on page six and the Div. 31 website.
- Committee on Early Career Psychologists Initiative Award: Pennsylvania Psychological Association
- SPTA Diversity Award: Arkansas Psychological Association
- Outstanding Achievement by a Psychological Association Staff Member: Washington State Psychological Association
- Outstanding SPTA Award: Washington State Psychological Association
- Outstanding Psychologist Award: Jorge Wong, California
- Karl F. Heiser APA Presidential Award for Advocacy: Hollis Hickman of Wyoming and Gil Sanders of Oklahoma
The virtual conference even included a virtual social hour (below left) and a virtual board meeting (below right). We will keep you up to date on what we hear about for next year regarding format. Whether it is virtual or in-person, we are excited to bring you an array of sessions that will focus on the needs of SPTAs and their members. If you have any questions, Eric Russ will be taking the reigns as convention chair next year. For those who have not registered yet, you still have an opportunity to sign up and watch any of the sessions, which you will have access to until August of 2021.
It has been a pleasure to serve as the convention chair over the past year. It has been a more turbulent ride than anyone anticipated, and I am thankful for the hard work and dedication of our presenters, members, and executive committee. Wishing you good health through the remainder of this year and beyond.
