Public Service Psychology Now

Dr. Jennifer Wisdom shares her knowledge about quality leadership. We talk about her co-authored article on what high-performing leaders in the Veterans Health Administration (Chiefs of Staff) have in common.Article: https://doi.org/10.1037/ser0000951Dr. Jennifer Wisdom: https://www.leadwithwisdom.com/Read more!Leadership Behaviors and Burnout in Healthcare: A Mixed-Methods Study in the Veterans Health Administration: https://journals.lww.com/jhmonline/abstract/2026/05000/leadership_behaviors_and_burnout_in_healthcare__a.4.aspxBurnout Trends Among US Health Care Workers: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2833027Behavioral Health Provider Burnout and Mental Health Care in the Veterans Health Administration: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11606-023-08235-y

Dr. Abigail Tucker discusses the importance of training law enforcement, healthcare workers, corrections, and fire/EMS so that they will be able to speak up when things go wrong. She encourages us to remember our social psychology, toss out titles and hierarchies, and embrace constructive loyalty.Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement: https://www.law.georgetown.edu/cics/able/https://www.heroesintervene.com/Why We Act: Turning Bystanders Into Moral Rebels: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/why-we-act-turning-bystanders-into-moral-rebels-catherine-a-sanderson?variant=32250815578146

Join us as we speak with Dr. Katherine Dollar and Dr. Nazanin Bahraini about research from this special issue of Psychological Services, which showcases how implementation science is tackling healthcare's most persistent challenge - the fact that it takes nearly two decades for evidence-based innovations to reach routine clinical practice. Through studies spanning mental health services, suicide prevention, and health equity initiatives, we'll discover how systematic implementation approaches are achieving remarkable results, from 90% training success rates in VA safety planning programs to improvements in serving vulnerable populations. Our discussion will explore some of the critical success factors - contextual adaptation, stakeholder engagement, and organizational support - that are helping to close the research-to-practice gap and transforming patient care across diverse healthcare settings.https://psycnet.apa.org/fulltext/2026-47815-001.html

Graduate students Katrina Rbeiz and Madeline Ward talk about the development of this important paper looking at psychology trainee experiences of trying to find and participate in doctoral training related to Serious Mental Illness.Article: https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2Fser0000853Mentorship link not yet released; date TBD

Dr. Shirley Glynn, incoming president of ABPP for SMI, shares about the exciting, NEW board certification opportunity for Serious Mental Illness Psychology. Why get board certified in SMI? What does the process look like? Find out in this episode. ABPP for SMI: https://abpp.org/application-information/learn-about-specialty-boards/serious-mental-illness-psychology/SMI Specialty: https://www.psychtrainingsmi.com/

Hear about Division 18 research! Dr. Ashley Batastini and Dr. Jennifer Eno Louden discuss their article published in Criminal Justice & Behavior about the experiences of researchers who work within corrections settings.https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/00938548251344891

APA President, Dr. Debra Kawahara, speaks with Division 18 President Dr. Gayle Iwamasa about the uncertain and unexpected times we have entered as psychologists. Dr. Kawahara also goes into the structure of APA to help understand each of our roles in this organization as well as her focus on “Strength in Unity” for her time as president. Also learn about Engaging Psychology’s Future, an initiative to provide students with more understanding of the diversified ways psychology can become their profession.

Dr. Tamara Lyn shares her journey from clinical psychologist to administrative and organizational work in the Bureau of Prisons. As a part of this journey, we hear how her experience as a psychologist informed her role as a warden during the COVID lockdown. Now with her own executive coaching business, do not miss the teaser for her upcoming Division 18 webinar “Discover, Dream, Design: Create your Next Professional Chapter Using Appreciative Inquiry” (May 28th).

Join the APA Division 18 Presential Trio (President Gayle Iwamasa, President-Elect Edgar Villarreal, and Past-President Tallie Armstrong) for the relaunch of our podcast. Included are some updates on what has been happening with the division and a friendly reminder about nominations for awards due May 31st.

Dr. Glenn Ally is a clinical neuropsychologist and has been a medical psychologist since 2004. He was instrumental in the legislative effort resulting in the 2004 passage of the initial prescriptive authority legislation in Louisiana and was also instrumental insubsequent RxP legislation passed in 2009. He has testified before several state legislatures on behalf of prescriptive authority for specially trained psychologists and continues to be a strong advocate for prescriptive authority. Dr. Ally retired from practice in Lafayette, Louisiana after 40 years in practice. He had a large hospital practice in which he provided consultation and services to Lafayette General Medical Center, emphasizing services on the Acute Rehabilitation Unit, the Mental Health Unit, and the cancer center. Dr. Ally was on active medical staff at LGMC, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, MeadowBrook Rehabilitation Hospital, and Louisiana Physical & Rehabilitation Hospital. Currently, Dr. Ally continues to provide medical psychology services to Joseph Henry Tyler Mental Health Center, a large community mental health center in Lafayette. Dr. Ally has extensive experience in the governance of the American Psychological Association, having served several terms on the Council of Representatives and CAPP. He has served on several APA committees and was Chair of the RxP Committee. He is a past President of Division 55 and a Fellow of Divisions 55, 42, and 31. In Louisiana, Dr. Ally is a past President of the Louisiana Psychological Association. He is a former member of the Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists. Dr. Ally is currently the President of the Louisiana Academy of Medical Psychologists. He is the current Secretary for the Medical Psychology Advisory Committee to the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners.

Dr. Jena Casas, Ph.D. is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who owns and operates a private practice in Northern Nevada. She holds a master's degree in Criminal Justice and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Nevada, Reno, and is a certified emergency responder and public safety clinician. Dr. Casas has published dozens of peer-reviewed publications and book chapters on topics related to the intersection of culture, psychology, and law; her most recent publications are related to the mental health of first responders. Dr. Casas specializes in providing mental health services to first responders and their families and organizational consultation to law enforcement agencies that seek to develop wellness programming for their staff. She is also an annual presenter for local law enforcement agencies crisis intervention training, educating attendees on topics such as officer wellness. Additional information: professional instagram @doc.jena; practice website: www.theridgenv.com

Dr. Kristen Wheldon talks to us about Fire Service Psychology. Please see ways to get involved with Fire Service Psychology Home | Fire Service Psychology Association (firepsychology.org) https://fireheritageusa.org/archives-news/the-wingspread-conference-reports

Podcast with Drs. Stimmel & Meyer TOPIC:   HOW TO REDUCE VETERAN SUICIDES BY HELPING VETERANS WITH OTHER THAN HONORABLE DISCHARGES TO OBTAIN VA SERVICES   WHEN:  September 08, 2023 13:00-14:00 ET  12:00-13:00 CT  11:00-12:00 MT  10:00-11:00 PT    PRESENTED BY:  Brian Meyer, Ph.D. is the Psychology Program Manager and Supervisor for the Community-Based Outpatient Clinics at the Central Virginia VA Health Care System in Richmond, VA. In this position, he oversees psychologists at five regional VA community clinics; provides evidence-based treatments for Veterans who have problems with PTSD, substance abuse, depression, TBI, and other co-occurring conditions; trains psychology trainees; and develops and conducts research on treatments for PTSD, substance abuse, and co-morbid conditions. Matthew Stimmel, Ph.D. is National Training Director for the Veteran Justice Programs (VJP). In his role, Dr. Stimmel is responsible for developing and sustaining the education and training of over 400 VJP field staff, contributing to national VA policy on justice-involved veterans, and cultivating operational partnerships both internal and external to VA that advance VJP’s mission of ensuring access and care to justice-involved Veterans and reducing risk of recidivism and homelessness in this population.   ABOUT THE PROGRAM:  VA statistics indicate that approximately 10 out of every 17 Veteran suicides occur among Veterans who are not involved in VHA services. Since 1980, there have been approximately 575,000 Other Than Honorable (OTH) discharges from the military and 125,000 have occurred since 9/11. These “bad paper” discharges can result in a loss of many benefits, including VHA medical care. However, many Veterans who believe they are ineligible for VA services, may in fact be eligible for care. This presentation will illustrate multiple avenues for Veterans to obtain VHA health care services, which may, in turn, help to reduce the Veteran suicide rate.   HOW TO REGISTER:  Register via this LINK ​Webinar Zoom link will be provided upon registration

https://www.apadivisions.org/division-18/sections/justice [email protected]

Take a listen a fascinating episode of Public Service Psychology Now when we sit down with Dr. Mark Olver, winner of a Best Paper Award in 2021 for "An Examination of Latent Constructs of Dynamic Sexual Violence Risk and Need as a Function of Indigenous and Nonindigenous Ancestry". Dr. Olver describes the potential impact of his work on the justice system in Canada.

Please take a listen to this engaging interview with Dr. Donell Barnett - APA 2018 Citizen Psychologist Award winner. Dr. Barnett describes his contribution in hopes of making a lasting and meaningful impact on a treasured community.  

Please listen as we talk with Dr. Edgar Villarreal, VA Section Chair

Join us for a discussion with Dr. Ashley Batastini the 2022-2023 Division 18 President as she discusses some initiatives for this year

In this episode, Division 18 Convention Program Co-chairs, Melisa Rempfer and Kate Morris tell us about the exciting events planned by APA and Division 18.  For more information about APA Convention 2022: https://convention.apa.org/  For more information about Division 18 Convention events: https://www.apadivisions.org/division-18/news-events

Introduction to the Division 56 article: show notes Monitor article: show notes YouTube page: show notes Division 18 EC: show notes

Please take a listen as we discuss Dr. Emilia Brown's fascinating new podcast: Batman Psychology and other Superheroes - Bat Therapy Podcast (bat-therapy.com). 

Join us today as we talk to Dr. Fran Greenfield Shahar about her experiences living and thriving with a mental illness.

Dr. Tiffanie Fennell -2021-22 Division 18 president gives updates on upcoming and recent past events. She also describes collaborations with other organizations.  See the following links for reference: Div. 18 Awards (apadivisions.org) show notes APF/Division 18 Grant (apa.org) APA Division 18 - Psychologists in Public Service - YouTube

Dr. Maysa Akbar Chief Diversity Officer at American Psychological Association describes equity, diversity, and inclusion at APA and ways that psychologists in public service can contribute to EDI. 

In this episode, we interview with Dr. Tamara Lyn about her leadership roles in the Bureau of Prisons, service to the psychology community, and her current role as an executive coach.

This episode is a recording from the webinar Division 18 hosted on 3/3/22 titled, "Student Loan Forgiveness Programs: Success Stories & Advocacy. You'll hear an overview of the Public Student Loan Forgiveness program, stories from four panelists on how they successfully navigated their student loan forgiveness programs, and an update on APA’s advocacy to address the student loan crisis. Link to view the webinar recording: https://youtu.be/Oqt6ggQ1BsY   APA RESOURCES 1. The Critical Role of Public Service Loan Forgiveness 2. Making Income-Driven Repayment More Affordable 3. Student Loan Interest: The Hidden Cost of Federal Borrowing Thanks for listening!

Division 18 President, Dr. Tiffanie Fennell provides updates on division activities and upcoming events. LINKS Website for information on Division 18's American Psychological Foundation fund: https://www.apa.org/apf/funding/div-18-grant?tab=1  Website for VA Health Professional Scholarship Program: https://va-ams-info.intelliworxit.com/hpsp/ Division 18 Website: https://www.apadivisions.org/division-18  Thanks for tuning in!

Division 18 President, Dr. Tiffanie Fennell provides updates on division activities and upcoming events.

Dr. Tiffanie Fennell, Division 18's current President, talks with us about her goals for the presidential year and her decision to pursue service work in Division 18. Check out our website for more information about Division 18.

Public service psychologists are not simply defined by the setting in which we work. In this episode, we interview Dr. Nadine Kaslow, who served as Division 18 president from 2018-2019. Dr. Kaslow shares about stepping into new roles as a public service psychologist, supporting essential healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how Division 18 members have a critical role in public health during global healthcare crises. She describes updating the Division’s strategic plan during her time of service, and  challenges within the division during this period. Dr. Kaslow provides reflection and insight on the steps towards leadership within APA Division, as well as the organization as a whole. Candid advice for early, mid and advanced career psychologists is shared, including pivotal moments in Dr. Kaslow’s career that helped her conceptualize her successes and professional values as a leader.

In anticipation of the election for the next APA President-elect this fall, Div. 18 has invited all five candidates to share their vision with us. This episode features an interview with Dr. Beth Rom-Rymer.  Check out Dr. Rom-Rymer's website for more information: https://drbeth4apapresident.com/  Contact Dr. Rom-Rymer directly at [email protected]  Be sure to watch for your ballot from APA in your email around September 15th. Polls open September 15th and close on October 29th. Follow this link to more information about the upcoming election and all of the candidates: https://www.apa.org/about/governance/elections

In anticipation of the election for the next APA President-elect this fall, Div. 18 has invited all five candidates to share their vision with us. This episode features an interview with Dr. Thema Bryant-Davis. Check out Dr. Bryant Davis' website for more information: https://thema4apa.com/  Dr. Bryant-Davis also hosts her own podcast series titled The Homecoming Podcast with Dr. Thema. You can access it through multiple platforms, including YouTube, SoundCloud, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. Be sure to watch for your ballot from APA in your email around September 15th. Polls open September 15th and close on October 29th. Follow this link to more information about the upcoming election and all of the candidates: https://www.apa.org/about/governance/elections

In anticipation of the election for the next APA President-elect this fall, Div. 18 has invited all five candidates to share their vision with us. This episode features an interview with Dr. Diana Prescott. Check out Dr. Prescott's website for more information: https://www.diana4apa.com/  Be sure to watch for your ballot from APA in your email around September 15th. Polls open September 15th and close on October 29th. Follow this link to more information about the upcoming election and all of the candidates: https://www.apa.org/about/governance/elections

In anticipation of the election for the next APA President-elect this fall, Div. 18 has invited all five candidates to share their vision with us. This episode features an interview with Dr. Kirk Schneider. Check out Dr. Schneider's website for more information: https://kirkjschneider.com/  You can also check out Dr. Schneider's two-minute APA video and a longer video of his campaign statement. Be sure to watch for your ballot from APA in your email around September 15th. Polls open September 15th and close on October 29th. Follow this link to more information about the upcoming election and all of the candidates: https://www.apa.org/about/governance/elections

In anticipation of the election for the next APA President-elect this fall, Div. 18 has invited all five candidates to share their vision with us. This episode features an interview with Dr. Mary Ann McCabe. Check out Dr. McCabe's website for more information: https://maryann4apa.com/  Be sure to watch for your ballot from APA in your email around September 15th. Polls open September 15th and close on October 29th. Follow this link to more information about the upcoming election and all of the candidates: https://www.apa.org/about/governance/elections 

In this episode, we interview the Div. 18 Convention Program Chairs, Drs. Sarah Robertson and Katie Davenport about the upcoming Convention and what's in store. Check out the Div. 19 Convention Program online: https://www.apadivisions.org/division-18/news-events/index  See you at the Convention!

"I've gained more than I've given," Dr. Anne Klee remarked about her rewarding experience as a leader and long-time member of Division 18, her professional "home in APA". In this episode, we interview Dr. Klee, who served as President of Division 18 from 2013-2014. She discusses her accomplishments, leadership skills and lessons learned, advice for emerging leaders, and thoughts on the importance of the division's role in promoting public mental health issues in organized settings and supporting public service psychologists.

"It doesn't get any better than Division 18", Dr. Robert Morgan said in reference to members of the division. We agree! In this episode, we interview Dr. Morgan, who served as President of Division 18 from 2009-2010. He shares about his stewardship during lean years when Psychological Services was not yet financially viable, success with increasing membership and member engagement, and how public service psychology addressed the discrepancy between the number of people needing access to mental health services and the availability of those services. He also shares lessons learned, advice for aspiring leaders, and his thoughts on public service psychologists' leading the way in health service delivery developments and opportunities. 

In this episode, we interview Dr. Femina Varghese, former president of Division 18 from 2014-2015. Dr. Varghese served during the time the Hoffman Report came out. She describes serving through that challenging time, and some of her unique contributions, including strategic planning, new division awards, and finding ways to engage members. Fun fact: She's was not only the youngest to serve as our division's President, but also she was the first psychologist of color.

In honor of our 75th anniversary, we are interviewing former presidents of Division 18. In this episode, we interview Dr. Shirley Glynn, president from 2016-2017. She discusses the unique start to her presidential term, reasons to get involved in Division 18 leadership, and the unique position of Division 18 in the current social-cultural climate.

Dr. Rodney Baker is well-known for chronicling the history of VA psychology and capturing stories of VA psychologist leaders in books and presentations with collaborators over the years. He has also written about the history of Division 18 and will be delivering a special webinar on our division's history in August as part of our 75th anniversary. In this episode, we interview Dr. Baker about the latest book he co-edited with Dr. Patrick DeLeon, Retirement Experiences of Psychologists. He tell us about the book and some take-aways from the psychologists who contributed stories about their interesting retirement journeys.  The book is available for purchase through Cambridge Scholars Publishing and Amazon.  Preview the book here: https://www.cambridgescholars.com/resources/pdfs/978-1-5275-6767-2-sample.pdf 

We continue to celebrate Division 18's 75th anniversary through a series of interviews with former division presidents. In this episode, we speak with Dr. Tim Lawler, president from 2008-2009. He shares about the events that were going on around the time of his presidency and prioritizing initiatives (e.g., SMI specialty, division journal) that were already in the works to maintain their momentum. Given his experience living abroad for much of his life, he reflects on some ways public service psychologists can benefit from learning from our international colleagues. 

In this episode we interview Dr. Linda Bodie, president of Division 18 from 2011-2012 as part of our special 75th anniversary series. Dr. Bodie describes efforts to increase membership in the division, especially among early career psychologists. She discusses the importance of cultivating and maintaining connections with all the sections and being open to conversations about controversial topics. Dr. Bodie describes how APA's initiatives (e.g., evidence based treatment for returning military service members, Veterans and their families, preventive health with respect to obesity and tobacco use), aligned with Division 18's, and the importance of "having a seat at the table". Finally, she reflects on the future of Division 18, where we've made some strides and still have a ways to go.

In celebration of Division 18's 75th anniversary, we are speaking with former presidents of the division. In this episode, we speak with Dr. Tim Carmody, president from 2015-2016. Dr. Carmody describes his presidency in the setting of the Affordable Care Act and APA's organizational crisis as a result of the Hoffman Report. Acknowledging that the sections are the backbone of Division 18, Dr. Carmody describes how he sought to understand the values and priorities of each of the sections. He talks about staying focused on the division's mission to serve the underserved and marginalized communities and shares his thoughts on the future of Division 18.

We continue to celebrate Division 18's 75th anniversary through a series of interviews with former division presidents. In this episode, we speak with Dr. Robert Kerns, president from 2003-2004. With the same name and occupation has his father, Dr. Kerns says he was groomed for a meaningful career as a public service psychologist. He describes some of the major issues public service psychologists were grappling with at the time, like guild issues threatening VA psychologists and pursuing his initiatives to build the division's capacity for training, scholarship, and advocacy. He reminds us it is a privilege to serve the public. Dr. Kerns welcomes your messages at [email protected].

We continue to celebrate Division 18's 75th anniversary through a series of interviews with former division presidents. In this episode, we speak with Dr. Steven Norton, president from 2010-2011. He describes the emergence of our division on social media and the newly formed SMI-SED Section, as well as a forward thinking approach to interdivisional Convention presentations. Dr. Norton offers reflections on how psychologists in public service set the standards and the critical role we can play in addressing current social issues, like racial injustices and law enforcement reform.

In honor of our 75th anniversary, we are interviewing former presidents of Division 18. In this episode, we interview Dr. Dolly Sadow, president from 2005-2006. Dr. Sadow describes the upsides and downsides of transition to virtual communications, increasing student members' involvement in the division, and advocacy for patients' rights. She shares advice to those interested in leadership and her thoughts on the future of Division 18. One take away message is the importance of building and strengthening community.

In honor of our 75th anniversary, we are interviewing former presidents of Division 18. In this episode, we interview Dr. Linda Richardson, president from 2017-2018. She shares about the major initiatives she took on during her presidential year, including establishing an American Psychological Foundation (APF) fund to support student and early career psychologist members with their professional development. She describes some of the organizational challenges during her term and insights on leadership for current and aspiring leaders. One take away message is "relationships matter". The Div. 18 APF fund has the potential to support worthwhile causes central to our division's mission, while also supporting our members. You can support the Div. 18 APF fund today by contributing online or by mail. Please indicate your gift is for the "Div. 18 Fund". Thank you!

In honor of our 75th anniversary, we are interviewing former presidents of Division 18. In this episode, we interview Dr. Rodney Baker, president from 1989-1990. He speaks about the struggle with getting public service psychologists recognized as "practitioners" and his advocacy agenda that resulted in several significant resolutions passed by the APA Council of Representatives. He also offers valuable leadership advice. One take away message is "do what needs to be done". Save-the-date for Dr. Baker's webinar on the history of Division 18 on Wednesday, August 4 at 3:00pm Eastern. More details to come!

This year marks the 75th anniversary of Division 18. In recognition of this special milestone, we are interviewing past presidents of Division 18 about their term, accomplishments, and lessons learned. This episode features an interview with Dr. Joel Dvoskin, Past President from 1999-2020. Dr. Dvoskin's term took place around Y2K and a transition from the Clinton to Bush Administrations. Hear about his initiatives to start the division's journal and increase diversity among members. He shares helpful advice to current and future leaders.  Visit our website to learn more about Division 18: https://www.apadivisions.org/division-18