What do you value most about being a clinical psychologist?
As a clinical psychologist who’s also a professor, I wear many hats. I teach and mentor students, direct applied research in community settings, supervise and train students to conduct clinical work, and serve on boards to give back to the field. I enjoy that each day offers something different and that I’m able to make an impact in various areas of child and adolescent mental health.
What are you or your division working on now?
We are currently in the process of planning our inaugural Society for Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology conference to be held at my home institution, the University of Illinois Chicago in June 2025. Led by Mary Louise Cashel, Tim Cavell, and a team of amazing volunteers, we’re excited to present “SCCAP Eras: Celebrating our Past, Present & Future.” This conference will allow us to feature all the incredible work that our members are doing (both students and professionals), offer cutting-edge training workshops, and continue to build a sense of community among our SCCAP members.
What’s something you want people to know about your division?
I’d love for members and potential new members to know about all we provide in our division. We offer community and resources for child and adolescent mental health practitioners, researchers and trainees through our special interest groups, active listserv, and Effective Child Therapyopens in new window website. We offer awards and funding opportunities for our members at various stages of their career from graduate student to late-career. We have two influential, peer-reviewed publications. We run training institutes to help support graduate student and early career professionals, especially those that are underrepresented in the field of child and adolescent clinical psychology (i.e., Future Directions Forum, Leadership Education to Advance Diversity Institute). Come join the Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology (SCCAP; Division 53).
What is your favorite place to travel to? What is next on your travel list?
My favorite place I’ve ever been is the Galapagos. I’m a scuba diver and the marine life there was incredible. I was feet away from sea turtles, hammerhead sharks, sea lions, and of course lots of fish! It was a trip I’ll never forget. Next up is Portugal.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
I sang in Josh Groban’s back-up choir for his concert in Chicago.
Contact Michael Meinzer.