Recognizing the growing number of health service psychologists (HSPs) seeking to diversify their careers, Division 13 has invested in programs that provide encouragement, education, and community for those exploring coaching, consulting, organizational leadership, and other applied roles.
This focus emerged from a clear need—many psychologists report experiencing burnout from direct service work and are eager to apply their skills in new contexts where psychological science continues to make a difference. Over time, this has evolved into a comprehensive and replicable strategy for outreach, engagement, and professional development—one that has also strengthened the division’s visibility and sustainability. Division 13’s APA Convention programming has increasingly reflected this shift, featuring sessions and symposia designed to help psychologists navigate career transitions and expand their professional repertoire.
A recent example of the division’s success is its record-breaking webcast, “Coaching & Consulting for Psychologists: The Who, What, Where, & Why.” Designed to demystify how psychologists can transition into consulting and coaching roles, the session drew hundreds of participants from across APA and beyond. The program featured four distinguished psychologists who shared their own journeys, practical insights, and actionable steps for making the shift from clinical to consulting work.
The division’s strategy for this event provides a model for other divisions seeking to maximize reach and engagement:
- Timely alignment: Scheduled shortly after the APA Convention to sustain engagement and momentum.
- Integrated promotion: Flyers distributed at all Division 13 sessions and personal outreach by presenters and volunteers.
- Cross-platform marketing: Featured in the division’s newsletter, listserv, LinkedIn, and announced at SCP Town Halls and Community Coffee sessions.
- Collaborative outreach: Cross-promoted with SIOP and shared through APA’s Division Digest.
- Expanded access: Hosted on TPN.health to reach new audiences seeking CE opportunities, with APA and NY-approved CE credits.
- Peer amplification: Presenters shared the event widely across their professional networks.
The results exceeded expectations, setting a new participation record for the division’s online programming and generating strong feedback from attendees who reported renewed enthusiasm and clear pathways for applying psychological expertise in new ways.
Division 13 thanks and acknowledges the many volunteers whose contributions make its education and convention programming possible. Through their efforts, the division continues to demonstrate how psychology’s tools can empower growth, collaboration, and resilience—helping professionals “level up” their impact while sustaining passion for the work we do.