Since its establishment in 1946, APA's Division 18 (Psychologists in Public Service) has been an advocate for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) psychology and other public service entities.
In early years, advocacy focused on recruitment, pay and promoting psychological services to administrators—common themes across psychologists working in public service settings. In 1977, the division created its VA Section to focus on VA psychologists' concerns, including bonus pay for those who obtained board certification as well as support for training and research funding. The section has continued this strong legacy of advocacy and now serves members through education, recognition and timely attention to membership needs. The section offers regular continuing-education webinars of interest to VA psychologists, such as incorporating mobile health apps into clinical practice, finding and serving as a mentor and how to advocate as a federal employee. Since 2005, the VA Section has co-sponsored the VA Psychology Leadership Conference, along with the Association of VA Psychologist Leaders and APA. This annual event educates attendees on the latest VA initiatives and programs for veterans and offers networking opportunities.
In addition, division members receive Psychological Services , the official Division 18 journal, featuring articles by and for VA psychologists. The section also honors outstanding colleagues in clinical practice, research, administration and education/mentoring at APA's Annual Convention. Finally, the VA Section responds to timely topics that affect the VA psychology community, such as its recent partnering with the National Center for PTSD to offer a webinar on workplace safety following the murders of three mental health clinicians at the Veterans Home in Yountville, California, in March.
Learn more about APA Division 18 on its websiteopens in new window. For more information on how to join or become involved with Division 18 and/or its VA Section, email Tiffanie Fennell, PhD.
