Division 18, Psychologists in Public Service, is presented with this presidential citation for demonstrating extraordinary resilience, profound commitment to psychology, and deep understanding and utilization of advocacy for the profession and the many populations it serves.
As our country navigates an ever-changing political landscape greatly impacting public service, Division 18 has worked to protect those they serve; to support one another and the profession of psychology through coaching and mentoring; and to offer new, essential, and timely science that informs policy critical to all of humanity. Too often, public servants go unrecognized. Today, we applaud all psychologists who choose a career in public service for the vital roles they play in societal mental health, critical functions of public health systems, and the dedicated care of others.
Division 18 psychologists are making their mark and responding to the needs of the public in a variety of settings, including within the criminal justice system, public safety settings, community and state hospitals, public education, and federal agencies such as the Indian Health Service, Department of Veterans Affairs, Bureau of Prisons, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and psychologists serving in the Uniformed Public Health Service. Each of these is heavily relied upon across government.
Division 18 leadership consistently fosters a keen understanding that advocacy takes many forms and works to serve the profession, peers, science, underserved and marginalized communities, and specialized populations. Through advocacy webinars, continuing education opportunities, career mentorship, and other intentional conversations and events, the division leads by example and nurtures future generations of psychologists to embrace advocacy and public service throughout their work.
During these challenging times for federal workers, the division provided programming for federal employees facing financial uncertainty, demonstrating that the “service” in public service extends to the work of Division 18. APA relies on the work and experiences of Division 18 members to inform advocacy and has been guided by the concerns and suggestions gained from interactions with its members. Additionally, the division played a crucial role in providing insights and expertise, working with APA Services to remove restrictions on the hiring of psychologists in the Bureau of Prisons, thereby maintaining predoctoral internship training positions.
For their unwavering focus on the promotion of psychology and careers in public service, and for their selfless service to the mental health of a nation, I am honored to award Division 18, Psychologists in Public Service, with this Presidential Citation.