The National Register’s SPTA Advocacy Award

2025—First Application Cycle

Summary

The National Register will present two awards annually to state, provincial, and territorial psychological associations (SPTAs) to honor excellence in advocacy, beginning in 2025. The two selected SPTAs will each be presented with a $5,000 prize and be recognized at the Division 31 Social Hour at the APA Convention.

Timeline

The application portal will open on March 1, 2025, and close on April 1, 2025. The review process is expected to take no longer than 60 days (inclusive of finalist interviews). The recipients will be announced around the beginning of June 2025, and the formal presentation of the awards will take place at the Division 31 Social Hour at APA Convention.

Advocacy Efforts Recognized

The initial awards will be based on activities during the period 1/1/2024-12/31/2024. The committee will accept applications that cite specific accomplishments that occur or culminate during this period, recognizing that some efforts by SPTAs are multi-year projects.

• Practice
  Expanding practice opportunities for doctoral-level psychologists, such as adding new billing codes, expanding scope of practice, and increasing ease of licensure portability and reimbursement

• Developing the Psychology Workforce
  Providing innovative education and training opportunities, increasing reimbursement for doctoral interns, and expanding internship and postdoctoral training opportunities, particularly in under-resourced areas

• EDI/Social Justice
  Diversifying the profession and increasing representation, increasing access for consumers including minoritized and marginalized populations, advancing the rights of marginalized groups, and advancing the human condition

• Legislative and Regulatory
  Working to increase and enforce parity and regulations surrounding insurance, increasing the presence and visibility of psychologists in policy making, and joining advocacy efforts with other professional organizations