Public policy needs psychology. Here’s how to lend your expertise

Science is vital to evidence-based decision making, and, according to a recent pollopens in new window of people from 68 countries, most people trust scientists and believe that they should engage more in society and policymaking. Psychological science, in particular, intersects with many aspects of governance and society. When psychologists engage in public policy, whether serving on a local school board or running for state or national office, they bring valuable knowledge and skills that can improve policies, protect public well-being, and promote a more just and informed society.

“It’s important for psychologists to have a seat at the table,” said Lisa Willner, PhDopens in new window, a licensed psychologist with years of experience serving on the Jefferson County school board in Louisville, Kentucky, and the Kentucky House of Representatives. “Now more than ever, our skills are needed. We're in a political climate that's very divisive and rancorous. Being a voice of reason, listening to and synthesizing multiple sides of an issue, and respecting different perspectives, are all really needed in this moment.”

What’s more, it’s important to prepare the next generation of psychological scientists to be that voice, according to Karla Lassonde, PhD, a cognitive psychologist at Minnesota State University. “I believe getting students involved in advocating for policy and policy decisions is more important than ever,” she said. For a course she teaches on communicating psychological science, she is beefing up the curriculum “to ensure students understand how the government (local and national) plays a role in psychology, mental health, as well as the advancement of science and critical thinking. Students can be ambassadors of psychology and change agents within policy/politics.”

One advocacy route involves participation in state, provincial, and territorial psychological associations. When Willner joined the Kentucky Psychological Association (KPA) as executive director in 2009, she made her first priority getting a handle on the association’s advocacy efforts.

“It took a while, but we built an entire advocacy structure from the bottom up,” she said. “We had to learn how to work with lobbyists, get our members involved, form an advocacy committee, create a fast response group to send out action alerts, and start a political action committee. It was an enormously challenging task, but also exciting and interesting.”

Willner’s advocacy experience with the KPA ultimately inspired her to dive directly into politics, and in 2014 she ran for a school board position in the city of Louisville, defeating a long-time incumbent. A few years later, when Kentucky’s then governor began publicly criticizing public education in the state, Willner went for a seat at a bigger table, winning a race for the Kentucky House of Representatives. She now serves as chair of the House Democratic Women's Caucus and has worked on numerous initiatives involving mental health, public education, public safety, maternal health, and LGBTQ+ rights.

But you don’t have to take a leadership position to be involved in shaping policy, nor must you necessarily give up your day job. Between 2015 and 2018, for instance, Willner taught at Bellarmine University, served as executive director of the KPA, and served on the Jefferson County school board simultaneously. “Take any opportunity to immerse yourself in organizations meaningful to you, whether it be your state psychology association, your faith community, or your local community center,” she said. “Build relationships, find out what are the most important issues, and get involved in those issues.”

For example:

• Talk to your representatives. Willner acknowledges that it can be intimidating, especially at first, to meet with elected officials. “As representatives, we are truly grateful to have folks come in and explain things to us and help us understand how a particular bill may be helpful or harmful,” she said. “So, I would encourage people to get past that feeling of intimidation and recognize that what they have to offer is extremely valuable.”
• Work with APA advocacy organizations. APA’s Psychology PACopens in new window is a nonpartisan organization that supports the election and reelection of pro-psychology congressional candidates. PAC members also work to educate members of Congress and engage in direct lobbying on key issues, such as reimbursement for psychological services, inappropriate barriers to psychologists’ scope of practice, and funding for psychology education.
• Share your expertise. Join committees focused on mental health, education, or public policy, contact lawmakers to provide research-based recommendations on policies, or offer to testify in government hearings on psychological and social issues.
• Support a candidate. Advise political candidates who prioritize mental health and social well-being.
• Engage in policy discussions. Write op-eds, blog posts, or social media content.

Your psychology training may provide an edge in overcoming various challenges associated with political involvement. Willner talked with several consultants before making the decision to run for a seat in the Kentucky House. During one conversation she was asked how she was at dealing with difficult people and challenging situations. She replied that her clinical training had exposed to her all kinds of people and challenges.

Psychology training can also be invaluable for connecting with potential voters. During her campaign, Willner did door-to-door canvassing and shared her experience as a psychologist with an interest in mental health. “I think that set me apart from my two opponents more than anything else,” she said. “People felt free to talk about their own challenges, things they were facing in their families, barriers to care problems, finding providers, all kinds of issues specifically around mental health. I ended up winning that race, and I think being a psychologist actually tipped the scales.”

Some psychologists are also trained to empathize with others whose thinking is not like their own, helping them work with colleagues in political bodies comprised of significantly different viewpoints and goals. “We need all kinds of people in the legislature,” Willner said. “We need our big idea people, we need our bomb throwers, and we need levelheaded people who can hold some of the turmoil and be a center of calm. Psychologists are better trained for that than anyone else I can think of. From my perspective, we are cut out for this, particularly in this moment.”

Crafting legislation is another area where psychologists can shine. For instance, Willner’s expertise is unique as the only licensed mental health professional in the Kentucky General Assembly. “Just since I started in 2019, we’ve had more and more bills that address mental health issues, and it's not unusual for colleagues on both sides of the aisle to come to me to look over their bills or to offer suggestions,” Willner said. “It's been a great opportunity to lend some knowledge to the process.”

Regardless of your level of involvement in public policy, be prepared to work hard—and to set boundaries. “The work, the needs, the constituent requests never, ever end,” Willner said. She gives herself permission to tap out as needed to attend to other matters. “But if you're willing to put in the effort, you will inspire many people who’ll be right there with you at your side.”