Alfonso Mercado, PhD, is awarded this presidential citation for his exemplary leadership, scholarship, and unwavering dedication to advancing psychological science and service to multicultural, Latiné, and immigrant communities.
Mercado, a licensed clinical psychologist and professor at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), has built a distinguished career characterized by compassion, innovation, and advocacy. As the director of the Multicultural Clinical Lab, his work has advanced our understanding of socio-cultural and political determinants of mental health, treatment efficacy with diverse populations, and the resilience of immigrant communities navigating trauma and systemic barriers. His scholarship and mentorship have shaped the next generation of psychologists committed to equity and inclusion.
A former president of the Texas Psychological Association (TPA) and current chair of APA’s Advocacy Coordinating Committee, Mercado exemplifies servant leadership. Under his guidance, TPA strengthened its focus on the role of psychology in serving underserved communities. His leadership at APA continues this legacy, ensuring that advocacy priorities reflect the profession’s ethical commitment to social justice and health equity.
As cochair of APA’s Task Force on Immigration and Health, Mercado co-led the revision of the seminal Crossroads Report on Immigration, expanding the scientific, clinical, and policy frameworks for immigrant well-being. Currently, as president of the National Latinx Psychological Association (NLPA), his leadership further deepens our collective commitment to using psychological science to influence public policy, demonstrating the transformative potential of our discipline.
Mercado has been recognized for his work at university, state, and national levels. He was the recipient of the Faculty Excellence Award at UTRGV for Sustainability Education, was awarded the Knowledge Award for Excellence in Education and Research- American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities-Texas Chapter, and was the recipient of the TPA Outstanding Contribution to Education and Public Service Awards. In 2019, he was named Psychologist of the Year from TPA for his clinical, research, and advocacy work with recently immigrated families along the U.S.-Mexico border, and in 2021, he received APA's Early Career Psychologist Achievement Award.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to education, research, clinical practice, and advocacy—particularly for underserved, Latiné, and immigrant populations—the American Psychological Association honors Alfonso Mercado, PhD, with this Presidential Citation. His career embodies psychology’s highest ideals: to use science and compassion to promote human welfare and social justice.