BHPr Talking Points

Talking Points:
For Meeting with Members of Congress on
Reauthorization of the Bureau of Health Professions
(Graduate Psychology Education Program)

Introduction/ Purpose – Introduce yourself as a constituent and a psychologist and note that you are here to discuss the reauthorization of the Bureau of Health Professions…and to urge support for APA recommendations that strengthen and clarify the Graduate Psychology Education (GPE) Program within the Bureau of Health Professions (BHPr).

Graduate Psychology Education (GPE) Program – Explain that the GPE program provides funds to train health service psychologists to work with underserved populations (e.g., children, elderly, rural persons, chronically ill, and victims of abuse and trauma). Funding is through a competitive grant process and provides support for student stipends, faculty, adjunct supervisors, curriculum development, model demonstration programs and technical assistance.

Contributions to Community/ District/ State – Using personal examples (and local stories) underscore contributions that psychologists/students make in your community. Explain that health service psychologists are involved in the full spectrum of health care, providing prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of a wide range of health problems. Examples should include reference to children, elderly, and underserved. Chronic illnesses (heart disease, substance abuse, smoking) and the wide range of mental health disorders, might also be noted.

Important Local/District Information – Present data and statistics that will provide additional support (evidence) for the importance and value of the GPE program in addressing local problems in your community and across the state (e.g., high adolescent suicide, depression among elderly, violence, substance abuse, unemployment, etc.)

Critical Need for Health Service Psychologists – Note that there is a serious need to improve the uneven geographic distribution of the health service psychology workforce. For example, the BHPr only had programs for physicians (including psychiatrists), physician assistants, nurses, dentists, podiatrists, chiropractors, public health and allied health clinicians – until last year when GPE received initial start-up funding.

Requirements for Psychology Doctorate – Explain that obtaining a doctoral degree in the practice of psychology requires approximately 5-7 years of graduate study (including a practicum and internship), as well completion of a dissertation. Note that average debt level for doctoral student preparing for practice is over $30,000.

Request Support – Ask directly if the Member will support the APA amendments that will strengthen the much-needed GPE program.

Conclusion/Appreciation – Ask if there are any questions or follow-up that can be provided; express appreciation for the meeting.