Q1: What concrete steps should APA take to enhance its science agenda, including recognition of psychology as a STEM discipline and communication of the science of psychology? How will you convey to government funding agencies, professional associations and the public that psychology is a STEM discipline?
APA can remain the pre-eminent home for psychological science by offering consumable science to the world through technology and various media strategies. We can reach far more people (including high school and college students) through social media and a coordinated national campaign, such as a National Psychology Week, as we promote the interdisciplinary nature of psychology. We also need to permeate traditional and soft news programs with advances in scientific psychology, especially STEM-related research. Journal editors should communicate regularly with APA staff when research articles merit broader attention and APA staff should promote scientific advances in the public media.
Q2: What are your ideas as to how APA can take a leadership role in health-care reform and ensure the inclusion of psychologists in these reforms?
Opportunities for psychologists under ACA are boundless if APA and the practice community can: 1) position psychologists as primary-care providers for mental health, health and addictions; 2) ensure appropriate coverage levels for mental health services under Medicare, Medicaid and ACA, including services provided by interns; 3) advocate for psychologists as experts on behavior change, treatment compliance and body-mind interface; and 4) assist psychologists with proper training that justifies prescription privileges. It is time for psychologists to take center stage in treating distress and promoting health in the new systems. For these reasons I am currently serving on an IOM committee.