Advocating for Psychologists in Nevada
Nevada Psychological Association
P.O. Box 400671, Las Vegas, NV 89140
888.654.0050 ph/fax
www.NVpsychology.org

To:  All Nevada Psychological Association members, Psychologists, and Psychological Assistants, Interns, and Trainees of Nevada

Recently and ongoingly, there have been proposed policies and changes that have created extraordinary challenges for many individuals providing and supporting mental health services, research, and education, and populations seeking mental health support and services. Some of these changes may have significantly affected us in more than a few ways, including but not limited to our work, colleagues we support, and the communities and populations we work with and serve.

For many, these changes are having a great impact upon broader society issues, and they have affected us and our professional ideals and principles we hold in psychological science and practice.

With our ever-evolving landscape, it is more important than ever that we, the Nevada Psychological Association (NPA) reaffirm our unwavering commitment to supporting our profession and field, and those impacted by these changes.

Central and crucial to our efforts is the recognition that many populations and communities face unique challenges, which are often exacerbated by societal stigma and discrimination. NPA has been and will continue to promote understanding and inclusion, and we will advocate for equitable access and protection to mental health services and healthcare for all. As an association, we remain committed to upholding ethical principles, promoting evidence-based practices and solutions, and fostering constructive dialogue, as we know that diverse perspectives can enrich our understanding and influence our actions.

NPA also reaffirms and supports what the American Psychological Association (APA) has stated recently. We believe that all individuals, all people, deserve the opportunity to thrive. We recognize that to progress forward as a field and profession, and to create a future where all feel supported, we must continue to work with all policymakers on both sides of the aisle who are willing to listen and act, no matter what the political climate may be. By doing this previously, over time it resulted in stronger commitments to mental and behavioral health and sciences. It will be challenging and not easy, but we must believe that we can continue to do this and move forward.

One of our greatest strengths as a profession is our ability to adapt, and this has been tried and true for many of us in the past. As many of you know, change can be difficult, and progress is seldom linear. However, if we can navigate change, adapt, and progress, over time the result is often growth.

Whether you are a member of our association or not, we are here to support you however we can. If you would like to learn more about, or act and support our efforts, the Nevada Psychological Association invites you to join this ongoing journey and reach out to us. We also encourage you to contact your local or federal congress representatives and share your concerns.

By working together, we have the privilege and opportunity to create a more inclusive and equitable world for all.

On behalf of the Nevada Psychological Association,

-Christopher Shewbarran, Psy.D.
President, Nevada Psychological Association