Announcements Membership Committee Announcement: Membership Renewal It’s not too late to renew your TPA membership! Do not waste another minute, simply click here to renew online today! TPA is dedicated to working on your behalf. Your support is as important as ever as we continue to toil through the legislative and regulatory processes to maintain the doctoral standard as the entry level into psychology. Additionally, through membership in TPA, you have the opportunity to receive 20% off of malpractice insurance, cut rates to the best annual convention with the best, state of the profession presenters in the nation, daily e-clips which summarize the latest information and research in psychology, and so much more! Please follow the link below to view additional membership benefits: http://texaspsyc.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=243

Lawsuit Update Announcement In 2010 TPA was party to a lawsuit filed by the Psychological Associates (LPA) against the Texas State Board of Examiners (TSBEP). Last year, this case was heard in Travis County District Court in which the judge ruled LPA's are not permitted to practice independently and reinforced the statute that the entry level into the practice of psychology is the doctoral degree. The LPA's appealed and all parties agreed that no oral arguments were necessary during the appeal. The decision is now in the hands of the appeal judge. We do not yet have a timeframe when this ruling will be made. We will keep you apprised of any new developments pertaining to this lawsuit.

CE Workshop Announcement Texas Psychological Association’s continuing education calendar is posted at www.texaspsyc.org/calendar.cfm. Check back often, we have numerous other CE workshops in the works! _______________________________________ Introduction to the MMPI-2-RF™ (Restructured Form) Friday, March 2, 2012 (8:30am - 4:30pm) 6 hours CE Crowne Plaza Dallas Park Central 7800 Alpha Road, Dallas, TX 75240 Register online at: http://www.texaspsyc.org/cde.cfm?event=374428 Online registration closes Wednesday, February 29 On-site registration accepted ________________________________________ **********NEW**********NEW**********NEW********** The Athlete and the Brain: Where Sports Medicine and Psychology Meet Saturday, march 24, 2012 (8:30am - 4:30pm) includes lunch 6 hours CE for Psychologists, Athletic Trainers 6 CME Credits

The Conference Center at Methodist Willowbrook Hospital 18220 SH 249 Houston, TX 77070 Register online at: http://www.texaspsyc.org/cde.cfm?event=377386 ________________________________________ Introduction to the MMPI-2-RF™ (Restructured Form) Friday, April 20, 2012 (8:30am - 4:30pm) 6 hours CE AT&T Executive Conference Center 1900 University Ave., Austin, TX 78705 Register online at: http://www.texaspsyc.org/cde.cfm?event=375797 Convention Announcement: Call for Proposals

Texas Psychological Association is pleased to announce its 2012 Annual Convention Call for Proposals. TPA’s President, Dr. Lane Ogden and TPA’s Program Committee, chaired by Dr. Carol Grothues, encourage proposals for convention workshops, symposia, research papers, and posters from individuals in all settings representing psychology in Texas. The proposal submission receipt deadline is 5:00pm, Tuesday, May 1, 2012.

Visit www.texaspsyc.org for complete details on programming types and requirements. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

President’s Article TPA President, Lane Ogden, Ph.D. On February 16, something happened in Austin that decreased the value of your title of “Psychologist” and is the harbinger of future events likely to erode the value of your license to practice. Did you feel it yet? That Thursday at their regular meeting, the Board passed a motion to consider, once again, allowing LSSP’s who have earned the NCSP to use this credential. Ultimately, for the second time in the history of that Board’s existence dating back to its establishment in 1969, the Board proposed rules that extended the privilege to use the previously protected term “Psychologist” to persons who do not have a doctorate degree. The current statute states, Section 501.003(b)1 of the Psychologists Licensing Act, “A person is engaged in the practice of psychology within the meaning of this chapter if the person represents the person to the public by a title or description of services that includes the word “psychological,” “psychologist,” or “psychology”’. It goes on to describe a psychologist is an individual who has a doctoral degree. The new proposed rule states (see underline for new language): Rule: 465.38. Psychological Services for Public Schools.

(2) Titles. The correct title for persons holding this license is Licensed Specialist in School Psychology or LSSP. Only individuals who meet the requirements of §465.6 of this title (relating to Listings, Public Statements and Advertisements, Solicitation, and Specialty Titles) may refer to themselves as School Psychologists. No individual may use the title Licensed School Psychologist. An LSSP who has achieved certification as a Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) may use this credential along with the license title of LSSP.

The National Association of School Psychology (NASP) credential in and of itself is considered a valid and respected credential—that is not even in dispute. However, it is a credential available to those trained only at the Master’s level—and therein lie the seeds of future chaos. The TSBEP succumbed to dual pressures to allow this change. First, Texans with the NASP credential who wanted to use the term “Psychologist” as in “National Certified School Psychologist” and who were supported by their national

organization had been pushing long and hard for the change-heretofore successfully opposed by TPA. Second, a letter sought by the Board and provided by Attorney General Greg Abbot said it was his opinion that it is not illegal to allow individuals to use the NSCP credential. Opposed by Psychologists Leslie Rosenstein, Ph.D. and John Baker, Ph.D. who are on the Board, if the new rules are passed there is now a group of persons not licensed or licensable as Psychologists in this state who may use the term “Psychologist” in their credentials and advertising. TPA leadership believes this is an ominous and dangerous precedent and had done all feasible to oppose the collapse of the previous policy. We psychologists failed. Why is this seen as so crucial? It is a one hundred percent certainty that there will be other groups emboldened by this turn of events who will seek to piggy-back onto this change and further their personal agendas. This has already been happening. Other much less principled and less meaningful credentials will be presented and even created to attempt to empower holders to legitimately associate themselves with “psychology”. A closed door is now open. In fact, why don’t you take a weekend to make some credential up and sell it as meaningful to garner yourself a few bucks? That’s the logical extension of this policy change. The public will be duped into believing they are receiving the services of a Psychologist, a doctor, when in fact they are not. I fear for the future quality of services in this state and for the negative impact on our fellow Texans in need of trustworthy, professional psychological help. Elvis has left the building on this one, folks. We must do better or face more and more serious erosion. Will you help TPA protect your future? Like to but don’t know how or have any time? Two very simple action items you can handle today. First, if not a member, join right now by going to the TPA website (www.texaspsyc.org) and click on the “Membership Tab” and tell this story to one other non-member as a recruit. TPA currently counts only about one-third of Texas Psychologists as members and that is embarrassing, pathetic and dangerous. Second, at the same web-site, click on “AAPT Tab” and donate to the PAC so those on the front lines have the resources needed to impact policy. With your help we can learn from this loss and face the next challenges more effectively.

“On Feb. 16, 2012, the TSBEP proposed a rule that would allow persons not licensable as Psychologists to use the term “Psychologist” as part of their credentials.”

Executive Director’s Article: The Veterans of Texas TPA Executive Director, David White, CAE Recently I attended a conference hosted by the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC). It was an incredibly informative conference. The highlight was hearing Col. David Sutherland, Special Assistant to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, speak about his work on the battlefield and at the Pentagon. He went on to stress his dedication to serving the troops and their mental health needs. This conference highlighted TVC and their 350 employees who service veterans of Texas.

The Texas Veterans Commission was created in 1927 as the State Service Office to assist veterans of the American-Indian wars, Spanish-American War and World War I. Its purpose is to act as the state appointed advocate for Texas veterans as they attempt to secure the benefits rightfully earned in exchange for their service in our nation’s armed forces. They focus on four program areas.

Claims Representation and Counselling. This program serves veterans, their dependents and survivors, in all matters pertaining to veterans' disability benefits and rights.

Veterans Employment Services – This program offers employment services to Texas veterans and helps employers find qualified veteran job applicants.

Veterans Education Program - This program approves all programs for federal educational benefits. The TVC ensures that institutions and employers are in compliance with federal guidelines and are qualified to provide the type of training offered.

Texas Veterans Commission Fund for Veterans’ Assistance - This program makes grants available to eligible charitable organizations, local government agencies, and Veterans Service Organizations that provide direct services to Texas veterans and their families.

Texas is home to 15 military bases which comprise of 194,965 service men and women, with 108,835 serving in active duty and 84,721 serving in the Reserves or National Guard. According to the American Forces News Service, our active military comprises of 60,945 military personnel in the Army, 40,981 in the Air Force, 6,909 in the Navy and 1,409 in Coast Guard.

There are over 1.7 million veterans living in the Lone Star State and Texas is one of the leading states that provide services to returning veterans with 18% of all returning veterans gaining employment in Texas. This last fiscal year, TVC assisted 37,000 veterans gaining employment, but even with this success, TVC’s staff and budget is being cut, thus possibly eliminating some services. During the last legislature session, the 82nd legislature created a lottery ticket just for the Texas Veterans Commission.

We all know that all proceeds from the Texas Lottery go to education, but this special ticket allows the TVC to collect .23 cents of every dollar Texans spend on this lottery ticket. In addition, when you pay your Texas Annual Vehicle Registration there is now an option to voluntarily contribute to TVC. Texas is a leader in the country when it comes to servicing our military. But are we really taking care of their mental health needs? According to SAMHSA approximately 18.5 percent of service members returning from Iraq or Afghanistan have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression, and 19.5 percent report experiencing a traumatic brain injury (TBI) during deployment. Furthermore, only 50 percent of returning service members who need treatment for mental health conditions actually seek it, and the ones who do, only slightly more than half claim to receive adequate care. It is alarming to learn the Army suicide rate reached an all-time high in June 2010 and more than half of the Army National Guard members who committed suicide in 2010 had never deployed! In 2007, 8 percent of soldiers in Afghanistan reported using alcohol during deployment, and 1.4 percent reported using illegal drugs/substances. Likewise, mental and substance use disorders caused more hospitalizations among U.S. troops in 2009 than any other cause. So, what can TPA do for our veterans?

I believe we can make difference. We need some of our members to step up and help create a Special Interest Group (SIG) (50 TPA members signing a petition indicating they are interested in developing this SIG). This SIG could develop resource material for veterans, something similar to what our students Division published for the legislators on how to deal with challenging constituents. We could partner with the medical community and work together to provide physical AND mental health care to our military service personnel. Finally, we can work with our members who work with the VA and learn from them how to integrate these individuals back into their families and community lives. Texas has the second largest population of active and reserve military personnel. Let’s show them we care and become a leader on assisting them with their mental health needs.

Looking forward to our chat next month!

Medicaid Survey TPA is trying to determine how many of our members participate in Medicaid. Please take a moment to participate in short Medicaid survey. This survey is intended for all psychologists, whether in full or part time practice.

TPA'S MEDICAID SURVEY

TSBEP: Notes from TSBEP February Meeting TPA’s TSBEP Committee Chair Paul Andrews, Ph.D. Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists Board meeting was held in Austin on February 9, 2012. Dr. Carol Groethus, David White, and I attended as representatives of TPA. In the public comments section of the agenda, I asked the Board to remain aware of and respond to the continuing encroachments on the title and license of Psychologist in legislative bills, court cases, insurance company listings, and websites listing mental health resources. Texas Association of School Psychologists’ attorney spoke asking TSBEP to again propose rule allowing use of the Nationally Certified School Psychologist credential by licensees having obtained it. Recent Attorney General Opinion Letter GA-0897 gave opinion that TSBEP has legal authority for establishing such rule. Four neuropsychologists from Scott-White Hospital spoke of the dangers of neuropsychological evaluations being performed and reported by psychologists lacking training and expertise in the field. Ms. Lee, Executive Director TSBEP, stated that Texas should expect some sort of licensure/certification bill in next legislative session regarding credential for Behavioral Analysts. Four states have licensure bills, two with a separate board and two under medical board; fifteen states have certification based on national standards for behavioral analysts. NOTE: For psychologists, there are issues of whether psychologists will be exempted from credentialing requirements; what board will oversee credentialing; how behavioral analysts will fit in structure and continuum of healthcare services--supervised or independent providers. TSBEP staff also pointed out the computer glitches that occur make it prudent to renew license before the last day of the month. NCSP credential: After prolonged discussion, the Board voted 5-2 with one abstention to re-propose the rule allowing licensees who have obtained Nationally Certified School Psychologist to state that credential. Much discussion centered on the issue of "school psychologist" being used by persons without doctoral degree. The proposed rule will now be posted for public comments and voted on for adoption at the next Board meeting. Several other proposed rules were discussed although observers did not have written access to these proposals. It will be important to check the Texas Register (www.sos.state.tx.us/texreg) every two weeks for postings. Once a proposed rule is posted, there is opportunity for public comments within a thirty day window of time. Discussions about proposed rules related to requiring psychologists to have copy of pertinent court documents authorizing person to provide consent for services if a child is being seen during or after divorce proceedings; written supervision feedback; two year waiting period for a psychologist to become involved in sexual relationship with a former client’s family member; respondents in complaint appeals taken to administrative law hearings (SOAH) must file statement of intent to be present; necessity to

inform client or recipient of services of the psychologist’s name on file with Board; person who holds a license with TSBEP or other mental health board and who is in supervised experience with licensee of Board must clearly indicate supervised status and offer services under supervised status, not under any other license during supervised experience. There was prolonged discussion about proposing a rule that would establish minimal standards for any psychologist who wanted to identify as "neuropsychologist" or report a "neuropsychological evaluation" (versus a "neuropsychological screening"). Discussion centered around anecdotal instances of poorly conducted assessments being presented as "neuropsychological evaluations" to the detriment of clients. Board members voted 4-3 against such a rule and took note of requirement that licensees have to confront fellow licensees of violations (including competency). No answer is to be expected before summer on the requested Attorney General opinion letter about duty to report childhood abuse currently being relayed to psychologists by someone who is now an adult. TSBEP will email quarterly newsletters to those licensees who provide email address during online license renewal. However, email addresses cannot be changed or updated in between license renewals.

Stress in America and What You Need to Know about Willpower Report Summary TPA Director of Marketing & Public Relations, Lauren Witt At the beginning of this year, the American Psychological Association released its annual report on Stress in America™: Our Health at Risk, which highlighted the connection between stress and the physical and emotional health ramifications its sufferers experience. There is an undeniable relationship between stress and its corollaries on the human body, and research findings suggest that its effects are significantly intensified in the cases of caregivers and Americans suffering from chronic illnesses. Additionally, earlier this month, as an expansion of the Stress in America survey, APA released a new report on What You Need to Know about Willpower: The Psychological Science of Self-Control. This report examined health areas and habits relating to willpower, including topics like what willpower really is and how it works, willpower-depletion theories, and how willpower affects making healthy life changes like eating, exercising and financial decision-making. The following article briefly summarizes both reports, and provides links to additional APA report information and resources regarding Stress and Willpower in America.

STRESS IN AMERICA While the major findings of APA’s 2011 Stress in America report did not introduce general concepts that we did not already know, or could not have assumed, it did in fact reinforce and deepen our concerns about the connection stress has with chronic diseases. As a result of the Stress in America report, the concept that stress is a major public health issue has now been brought to the public’s attention. Along with this, health care providers now have a responsibility to better provide services that focus on managing stress and preventing chronic disease as a cause of stress. One of the two foremost populations revealed in this survey who are significantly affected by stress are caregivers of sick family members. This specific group is, without question, going to increase as the Baby Boomer generation continues to age. According to APA, these caregivers “reported higher levels of stress, poorer health and a greater tendency to engage in unhealthy behaviors to alleviate their stress than the general public” (APA Stress in America). The second group of Americans whose health and stress issues are closely linked are those living with obesity and depression. Individuals suffering from these chronic illnesses reported higher levels of stress than the general population, as well as reporting that their “disabilities or health issues prevent them from making positive changes in their lives (i.e., reducing stress and improving health)” (APA Stress in America).

Conversely, aside from not having the knowledge on how to make changes and not having access to efficient health care for stress management, what is another roadblock Americans cited for not being able to make healthy life changes? What prevents people from implementing changes in their lives that would reduce their stress, and in return improve their health? That’s one question APA decided to further investigate. WILLPOWER A common answer found in APA’s Stress in America survey as to why one does not follow through with a lifestyle change was lack of willpower. With that in mind, it may be possible to say that willpower plays a powerful role in hindering stress-management. Some studies suggest that willpower can be strengthened with practice. According to APA’s What You Need to Know about Willpower report, lack of willpower isn’t the only reason you might fall short of obtaining your goals, but it does play a vital role in achieving them. One of the reports researchers and psychologists, Roy Baumeister, Ph.D., identified three components for achieving objectives. “First, motivation needs to be established and clear goals need to be set. Second, behavior needs to be monitored toward that goal. And third, willpower is critical in achieving that outcome” (APA Willpower). The report shed light on a number of theories and components of willpower. One perspective referred to willpower as the basic ability to delay gratification, in which our brains battle with a fight between a cognitive, thinking system and an impulsive, emotional system in decision-making situations. A second theory presented in the report is willpower being a limited resource. This idea, known as willpower-depletion, stems from the concept that if one uses too much willpower it can cause fatigue and that individual will not have enough willpower later on. This theory references a link between glucose levels and control, implying willpower may have deeper, biological rudiments. However, additional evidence suggests that beliefs, moods and attitudes might also be a factor in one’s ability to resist temptation. As the report goes in depth on willpower’s implications regarding healthy behaviors and financial decision-making, it is evident that this is an area in which there is much room for additional questions and further research. Nonetheless, the study does provide a starting place for Americans and health care providers to begin discussion, practice and implementation of ways to increase willpower as a way to make healthy life changes.

APA RESOURCES APA’s Help Center provides extensive information on both Stress in America and What You Need to Know about Willpower reports. Visit the APA Help Center to view the following resources:

Stress in America Official Information and Reports:

Our Health At Risk The Impact of Stress Chronic Stress Fact Sheet Five Tips on How to Manage Stress

What You Need to Know about Willpower Official Information and Reports:

What You Need to Know about Willpower: The Psychological Science of Self-Control

What You Need to Know about Willpower: The Psychological Science of Self-Control - Spanish (PDF, 1.7MB)

Press Release Stress in America: Our Health at Risk Followup Survey (PDF, 884KB) Willpower, finances and spending Harnessing willpower to meet educational goals Willpower and living healthy This is Psychology: Willpower video

March’s TPA Member Spotlight:

Denise McCallon, Ph.D.

After graduating from the University of North Texas in the Child Clinical/School Psychology program, Denise McCallon started her career with a post-doc position at Children’s Medical Center Dallas. She was able to stay at Children’s and serve on the faculty at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School for the next 23 years. Mentoring at UNT in the area of autism and at UTSW in dyslexia/learning disabilities served her well, and the breadth of experience provided by these settings proved invaluable growth opportunities over the years. Dr. McCallon served as the psychologist on the Inpatient Psychiatry unit, consulted to transplant teams, supervised post-graduate psychology students, provided training for psychiatry residents, consulted with schools, and provided outpatient psychological services. Following retirement from Children’s, Dr. McCallon continues to provide outpatient psychological evaluation for autism, Asperger’s, learning disabilities, and emotional disturbance.