In recognition of the commitment to training, supervising, and mentoring psychology trainees, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Psychology Training Council (VAPTC) is awarded a Presidential Citation.
Psychology trainees provide clinical care to Veterans and further the VA research and educational missions. Psychology training at the VA began after World War II to meet the mental health needs of returning soldiers. VA began doctoral internship training in 1946 and was instrumental in establishing doctoral training accreditation with the American Psychological Association (APA).
Nationally, one in five doctoral interns in psychology is training in VA. VA also hosts more than 50 percent of APA-accredited postdoctoral training programs in psychology. Psychology training in VA has a huge impact on mental and behavioral healthcare both within the VA and in the nation as a whole.
Currently, VA is the largest single employer of psychologists in the United States. Among current VA psychologists, over 70 percent were trained in VA. Psychologists play a critical role in carrying out the mission of the Department to care for our nation’s heroes and their families. Not only are VA psychologists instrumental in delivering evidence-based assessments and treatments, but they also make significant contributions through research, training, program management, supervision, and leadership at the local, regional and national level.
As the VA celebrates 75 years of excellence in education, its commitment to psychology training remains strong.
In acknowledgement and recognition of its dedication to training the next generations of psychologists serving Veterans and the nation, I, President Jennifer Kelly, PhD, am honored to award the VA Psychology Training Council with this citation.