Over the last 20 years, the rates of suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and suicides have rapidly increased in the United States (Garnett & Curtin, 2023). At the same time, evidence has developed that interventions can effectively reduce the risk of suicide (Calati et al., 2018). Given these changes, it is time for APA to require competence in suicide prevention for all graduates of programs that train healthcare psychologists and in all APA-accredited internships and postdoctoral residency programs.   The American Psychological Association (APA) Commission on Accreditation (Co ..read more

I was inspired to write this piece by my postdoctoral mentor, Joanna Drinane, who asked about the integration of my two programs of study. To make a long story short, I achieved my PhD in Human Development and Family Studies some years ago and joined the Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Program at the University of Utah in 2021. In many ways, my experiences point to the inevitability of this choice, and how I arrived here is a conversation worth having another time. In this article, I hope to address Dr. Drinane’s call, which I understood as: “What lens do I bring to the study and practice o ..read more

Mental health is a global concern with profound societal and individual implications. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression affects over 264 million people worldwide, making it the leading cause of disability. Anxiety disorders aren't far behind. To tackle this growing crisis, we need to highlight the role of consulting psychology in improving mental health accessibility. This bulletin will delve into the crucial impact of consulting psychology on enhancing mental health accessibility.  In recent years, consulting psychology has been on the rise (Lowman, 2016). Psyc ..read more

History teaches us that some professions have not survived the test of time as well as the profession of psychology. One example of a failed discipline is the antique science of phrenology, the study of skull protuberances. Phrenology posited that skull characteristics reveal a person’s character and mental capacity. The reader may not be aware that only two hundred years ago there were departments of phrenology at some of the world’s major universities. However, practitioners of phrenology extended their practice too far beyond the available data, which resulted in phrenologists developing a ..read more

Having a patient die from suicide is one of the events most feared by psychotherapists, yet a recent survey found that 6% of psychologists had at least one patient die from suicide while in treatment in the last year (Leitzel & Knapp, 2021). The ongoing possibility of a patient’s suicide prompted Simon (2011) to write “There are two types of psychiatrists—those who have had patients die from suicide and those who will” (p. 177).   Of course, more competent psychotherapists are less likely to have patients die from suicide. Nonetheless, many psychotherapists who had patients die f ..read more

Part One: Foundational Issues The informed consent process is an essential component of ethical, legal, and clinically effective practice by psychotherapists. Yet, how we engage in this process can have significant implications for the unfolding professional relationship and for the assessment, treatment, or other professional services provided. This is the first of four consecutive articles that will address various aspects of informed consent.   Case Example Viewing informed consent as a legal requirement to be met quickly so that the real work of treatment may begin, a psycho ..read more

As members of the Professional Practice Committee of the Society for the Advancement of Psychotherapy, we are tasked with ​meeting the needs​ of private practitioners. In our monthly meetings, we noted ​how the needs​ and experiences of practitioners change as one matures into the role of a psychotherapist. Since our committee has a ​diverse​ combination of members from different developmental stages, we thought it would be useful to survey our small committee about these needs and experiences. The results of the survey identified some of the challenges, opportunities, and issues and concerns ..read more

2018 Was A Great Year: In March, the APA Practice Leadership Conference (PLC) celebrated its 35th anniversary with over 300 colleagues honoring Katherine Nordal during her final PLC. “During my career, I have tried to embody and facilitate this affirming, strategic collaboration between practice and other parts of our discipline, connected groups and organizations, policymakers and stakeholders. It is with gratitude and great pleasure that we bring to you this conference whose theme, Advancing Practice Together, synthesizes my past, our experience and your future. Thank you for your many contr ..read more

Members, been thinking of getting involved in a leadership position? We have the perfect opportunity for you; We invite you to take an active role in our division by nominating yourself to join our Publications & Communications Board. The Society for the Advancement of Psychotherapy (APA Division 29) seeks nominations and self-nominations for members Society to be considered for a six (6) year appointment (term of office may become shorter upon pending bylaw changes) on the Society for the Advancement of Psychotherapy’s Publications and Communications Board. The Publications & Communic ..read more

Hey students! Interested in an APA leadership opportunity? Look no further. We invite you to take an active role in our division by nominating yourself to join our Publications & Communications Board. The Society for the Advancement of Psychotherapy (APA Division 29) seeks nominations and self-nominations for members Society to be considered for a one (1) year appointment on the Society for the Advancement of Psychotherapy’s Publications and Communications Board. The Publications & Communications Board provides oversight and recommends publication policy for the Society’s peer-reviewed ..read more