Baker is president-elect, Division 22: Rehabilitation Psychology
Although my training was in health psychology and clinical neuropsychology, I found by best personal and professional fit with Division 22, Rehabilitation Psychology. It’s the perfect mix. I love the networking and consultation, and I feel so well-connected nationally. When I have questions or need support, there is never a lack of people to call, meetings to join, or colleagues to meet up with at conferences.
In my current role, I serve as director of psychology at Shepherd Center in Atlanta, Georgia. We provide mental health care for people affected by spinal cord injury, brain injury, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, polytrauma, and other neuromedical conditions. It is my job to ensure our high-quality service delivery for these patients, and to support the mission of Shepherd Center- to rebuild lives with hope and dignity.
Division 22 has been very busy this year. We are embarking on our new strategic planning sessions with our executive committee and partner organizations. Committees are active, engaged, and always looking for more volunteers. For example, the Practice Committee recently published a second “salary survey” for rehabilitation psychologists (Baker et al., 2026), and there are many other projects in science, leadership, and national impact from Division 22.
Rehabilitation psychology is not alcohol and drug rehab. While we certainly address substance use issues, we really focus on helping people with disabilities, injuries, or chronic health conditions maximize independence and quality of life. Rehabilitation psychologists assess and treat cognitive, emotional, behavioral, social, and functional challenges; build on individual strengths; address barriers to participation in rehabilitation and the community; and advocate for greater equity, inclusion, and opportunity through clinical practice, research, and advocacy.
As a kid, I wanted to be a spelunker!
Contact: Laurie Baker can be reached via email.
