Plenary Session:
Next Stop: Virtual Psychology and Therapy (2117)

Friday, Aug. 7, 10:00–10:50 a.m., Room 716B

As the world shrinks and technology expands, psychologists must understand the implications of these 21st-century realities on human behavior and how to apply 21st-century tools to help current and future clients, ourselves, and the world function better. Three eminent panelists will present a dynamic, informative, and visually exciting program that shares applications (clinical and nonclinical), issues, and research regarding virtual environment (VE) psychology. They will discuss how VE applications can affect the behavior, development, and clinical treatment of individuals, groups, and social interactions. Scientist–practitioner Dr. Bouchard, who holds the Canada Research Chair in Clinical Cyberpsychology and teaches cyberpsychology and psychotherapy at the University of Quebec at Outaouais, will discuss VE clinical applications, such as anxiety disorders, addictions, eating disorders, schizophrenia, pedophilia, and pain control. Dr. Greenleaf, an internationally renowned researcher, writer, and presenter on the use of simulation technology to improve behavioral medicine and cognitive rehabilitation, is president of Virtually Better, Inc. He will discuss nonclinical applications of VE, including education, training, consulting, and research. Les Paschall, CEO of a large behavioral health provider corporation, CFGHealth Systems, LLC, will present business, legal, financial, and ethical issues that VE brings to psychology and how to bridge the gap between antiquated legal codes and current telemedicine technology. Lt. Col. Lacy will address virtual mental health care in the U.S. Air Force. Panel moderator Dr. Wexler is a past president of the New York State Psychological Association and president of Personnel Systems, Inc., which provides 21st-century consulting tools for psychologists and organizations.

Chair: Richard W. Wexler, PhD, Personnel Systems, Inc., Pomona, NY

Participants: Stephane Bouchard, PhD, University of Quebec at Outaouais, Hull, Quebec, Canada; Walter Greenleaf, PhD, Virtually Better, Inc., Decatur, GA; Les Paschall, CFGHealth Systems, LLC, Marlton, NJ; and Lt. Col. Timothy Lacy, MD, U.S. Air Force Medical Support Agency, Falls Church, VA

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