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HEY PENNSYLVANIA PSYCHOLOGISTS! Please urge your PA Senator to co-sponsor prescriptive privileges for psychologists (RXP) legislation being introduced by Senator Yaw. CLICK HERE TO ACT NOW: https://lnkd.in/eiFNZS3b The growing national mental health crisis and shortage of psychiatric specialists to meet the demand have harmed patients in every one of our districts. Too many individuals working to manage their mental health needs appropriately find themselves stymied by long wait times -- if they can find a practice that is accepting new patients at all. Due to the critical shortage of psychiatrists, most psychotropic medications are currently prescribed in Pennsylvania by primary healthcare professionals: primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. These expert professionals are wonderful resources, but often have limited training specific to mental health treatment. The federal government, through the Department of Defense and the Public Health Service, and seven states have recognized the value of allowing psychologists the ability to prescribe and de-prescribe psychotropic medications to appropriately meet the demand for therapeutic drugs while providing specialized expertise. Prescribing psychologists would increase patient access to psychotropic medications, including treatments for substance use disorders, depression, and anxiety, under the care of doctorate-level professionals with an additional post-doctoral master's degree in psychopharmacology dedicated to understanding the complexity of mental health disorders. Soon, Senator Yaw will introduce a bill that will define the educational requirements and the scope of practice for prescribing psychologists, describe the collaborative relationship between the prescribing psychologist and the patient’s primary care provider, and identify the formulary for the medications that may be prescribed. Prescribing psychologists would follow the standard professional path, including a bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree, as well as clinical rotations. Prescribing psychologists earn an additional post-doctoral master’s degree emphasizing psychopharmacology and the biological basis of behavior, pass a rigorous national exam, and receive supervision in practice. Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, New Mexico, Louisiana, Colorado, and Utah have all taken this step, and prescribing psychologists have safely and effectively prescribed psychotropic medications in the Public Health Service, Indian Health Service, the US Military and Guam for more than 30 years.

Connect with Pennsylvania’s psychology community and access benefits that support your professional growth. PPA membership offers discounted APA approved continuing education credits, valuable practice resources, and opportunities to build your professional network. Invest in your professional growth. Become a member today!

Psychological practice is more complex than ever. Master the web of modern practice with this essential workshop on risk, relationship, and responsibility, and earn 6 CE ethics credits. Presented by Dr. Leisl Bryant, this session provides an integrated framework for navigating today's challenges, including expanding scopes of practice, AI, digital privacy, and interjurisdictional care. Gain the clarity and confidence to protect your clients and your practice. PPA members receive special registration pricing, and all attendees can become eligible for a 15% discount on their Trust Sponsored Professional Liability Insurance. Register today!

PPA's 2026 Virtual Fall Conference is bringing together three powerful workshops in one virtual day, and PPA members can get an all-access pass for just $149. That means full access to sessions on ethical AI use in psychology, child abuse recognition and reporting under PA law, and evidence-based suicide prevention intervention. You can earn up to 8 APA-approved live CE credits. This is a full day of high-impact professional development designed to keep you informed, compliant, and connected to what matters most in your practice. Register now before spots fill up!

Shape the future of ethical psychology. The Pennsylvania Psychological Association's 2026 Ethics Educators Conference is designed for those who train and supervise the next generation of psychologists. Join us on October 23 and learn how to better integrate self-care into your graduate curriculum, navigate complex ethical supervision practices, and teach situational awareness to psychologists in training. Earn 6 CE credits while enhancing your ability to guide and empower your students. PPA members also receive a discounted registration rate, register today!

In the Summer 2026 issue of 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘦𝘯𝘯𝘴𝘺𝘭𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘢 𝘗𝘴𝘺𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘪𝘴𝘵, Cathy Petchel, MA, asks a question every psychologist should sit with: are we thinking boldly enough about where our field is headed? Her message points to a crucial crossroads: the need to protect evidence-based practice while leading the integration of AI, all within a more collaborative, "we-us" leadership model. AI needs psychology's expertise to ensure it augments our insight, not replaces it. But you don’t have to navigate this complex future alone. The Pennsylvania Psychological Association is where our profession comes together to collaborate and lead Joining PPA gives you a seat at the table where the future of psychology is being shaped. It’s your opportunity to directly influence the ethical standards that guide our profession, earn APA-approved CE credits to stay at the forefront of advancements in the field, and join a collaborative community of peers and thought leaders working together to build what's next. Become a member of PPA today and lead the charge.