Navigating politics, policy, and procedure: A firsthand perspective of advocacy on behalf of the profession.

Abstract

Psychology's expertise as a behavioral science is essential to effectively address society's most pressing concerns. Advocacy for clients and the public good-and in turn, for the profession of psychologyoccurs on multiple levels through active participation in local and federal legislatures, agencies, foundations, and nonprofit organizations that influence implementation of regulations and policies. The authors offer a number of observations and recommendations from their cumulative past experience to argue that presence, persistence, and long-term vision are absolutely essential for the ultimate success and advancement of professional psychology.

Identifying perceived personal barriers to public policy advocacy within psychology.

“…However, it should be noted that a great deal more work is still necessary (DeLeon, Loftis, Ball, & Sullivan, 2006;Fox, 2008). Expanding and protecting markets, maintaining funding, providing education and training, and disseminating important information to the public are just a few current initiatives requiring ongoing advocacy (Fox, 2008).…”

Building a Climate for Advocacy Training in Professional Psychology

“…Despite the growing focus on advocacy and social justice in psychology, many psychologists remain reluctant to engage in advocacy efforts beyond those activities involving direct client care (DeLeon et al, 2006;Fox, 2008). Psychologists have traditionally been poor at engaging in advocacy efforts compared to other professions, such as nursing or medicine (Fox, 2008;Lating et al, 2010).…”

“…Training should emphasize important skills such as effective communication with legislators and instill confidence in trainees and professionals by highlighting skills that mental health professionals already use in the field (APA, 2011;Lyons et al, 2015). Skills learned in psychology graduate training programs-writing, relationship building and maintenance, public speaking, conceptualization skills to synthesize information-are also needed in advocacy (DeLeon et al, 2006;Lating et al, 2010;Radius et al, 2009). Thus, it is imperative to incorporate advocacy training into graduatelevel education in psychology.…”

Transforming values into action

“…Research, stories, and voices of those impacted by the problem are needed to substantiate it. However, experts in designing healthy public policy point out that while necessary, evidence alone is rarely sufficient for influencing policy processes (Johnson, 2009), as policy decisions are often not based on research (DeLeon, Loftis, Ball, & Sullivan, 2006). An important component of the advocacy process is building support through community development and coalition building.…”