Bufka is the Executive Lead Psychologist for Practice at APA, where she leads national efforts to strengthen the delivery of psychological services across the health care system. Her work focuses on helping psychologists provide high-quality, effective, and equitable care while consistently championing the idea that clinical practice, scientific research, and public policy are strongest when they inform one another. She emphasizes innovation, the thoughtful use of technology, and evidence-based practice to ensure psychology continues to play a vital leadership role in health care and evolves.
Before assuming her current role, Bufka held a variety of leadership positions within APA, overseeing initiatives that translate psychological research into real-world settings. Prior programs included development of a practice research network, implementation of evidence-based psychosocial treatment for cancer patients in a major medical center, development of professional and clinical practice guidelines, and advancement of approaches that better connect diagnosis with everyday functioning.
A licensed psychologist, Bufka has extensive expertise in the treatment of anxiety disorders. She frequently serves as an APA spokesperson on topics such as stress, psychotherapy, well-being, and mental health care, helping the public better understand psychological science and treatment.
Earlier in her career, Bufka served as the associate director of clinical training and director of practica training in an APA-accredited clinical psychology doctoral program. In these roles, she helped maintain the program’s accreditation, modernize the curriculum, and guide the integration of a new training clinic and faculty—experience that continues to shape her leadership and commitment to high-quality professional education and practice.
Bufka earned her PhD in clinical psychology from Boston University. She completed her clinical internship with the VA Healthcare System and a postdoctoral fellowship at the Boston University Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders.