Each year, the Distinguished Service Award and the Congressional Service Award are given by the American Psychological Association's Board of Educational Affairs (BEA) to recognize individuals whose contributions have significantly advanced psychology education and training through advocacy activities.

This year, BEA Chair Cindy Carlson, Ph.D. presented the awards to Louise Douce, Ph.D. and Jeff Baker, Ph.D. as well as Congressional staff Adrienne Hallett and Pat Souders. 

Louise Douce, Ph.D. who heads the Counseling Center at Ohio State University was recognized for her extraordinary leadership in advancing psychology in a virtual “laundry list” of advocacy activities.  Dr. Douce, who serves as a Campus Training Representative for the Federal Education Advocacy Grassroots Network, provided vital assistance to the development of the Campus Care and Counseling Act. She also testified before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Subcommittee about the importance of supporting mental and behavioral health services on college campuses.  In addition, Douce promoted Graduate Psychology Education (GPE) appropriations during a personal visit with Senator DeWine where she presented him with the APA Advocacy Award. Douce is also lending her strong support for the Education Advocacy Trust, the new 501-C6 organization.

Jeff Baker, Ph.D., Associate Professor at the University of Texas Medical Branch , was recognized for his tireless and unwavering support and promotion of the GPE Program. In fact, Dr. Baker was one of the first GPE awardees and even though his grant was not renewed, he continues to be one of GPE's biggest champions. Baker also volunteers as an Ambassador for the National Heath Service Corps and is working with the Education Advocacy office to gain psychology's participation in the ($2 Billion) Community Health Centers.

In addition, two Congressional staff members were also singled out for their role in expanding access to mental and behavioral health services to underserved communities across the nation.  Adrienne Hallett, who currently serves on the Senator Labor, Health and Human Services-Education Appropriations staff for Senator Harkin, has spearheaded Senator Harkin's efforts to gain increased mental and behavioral health services for underserved populations through their support of GPE. Pat Souders, Chief of Staff to Senator Durbin, the Senate Minority Whip, was recognized for his efforts on behalf of Senator Durbin. Pat has provided enormous leadership and support for the GPE Program, including a “Dear Colleague” letter that was circulated to all Senate offices calling for increased funding for GPE.

All of the awardees exemplify a commitment to addressing the mental and behavioral health needs of some of our most vulnerable and underserved populations.  In the words of BEA Chair Cindy Carlson, “their work on behalf of psychology deserves our recognition and gratitude.” 

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