Mission

The MPA Advocacy Committee will support coordination and communication around MPA’s broad-based advocacy initiatives and develop a leadership pipeline for state legislative advocacy.

 

Committee Members

Chair: Derrick Sebree Jr., PsyD

Vice Chair: Amy Nasamran, PhD

Federal Advocacy Coordinator: Molly Gabriel-Champine, PhD

Member: Joy Wolfe Ensor, PhD, Ellen Keyt, PhD, Sandi Jones, Nick Baugh, Rachel Hagerty, MA, Brittney Barber-Garcia, PhD, Kristen Votruba, PhD, Phoebe Jordan, PhD, Devon Kardel, MA, Abigail Peskin, PhD

 

How this Committee Fulfills MPA’s Mission

1. Engage with the Executive Committee and committee chairs to coordinate advocacy initiatives within MPA (e.g., membership recruitment) and in interactions with external entities (e.g., programming, engagement with outside organizations). 

a. ​​Membership ​will include the committee chair, vice chair, FAC, and possible additional representatives from key committees involved in advocacy efforts (e.g., Diversity, Insurance, CYF, Masters, ICC). 

b. Committee will meet at a minimum bimonthly and record meeting minutes per MPA policy. 

2. Track state and federal level legislation pertinent to Michiganders’ access to quality mental health care and the practice of psychology. 

a. ​​The committee will continually update public-facing documents (including the legislative section of the website) to alert membership of recent legislation that MPA is following. 

3. Assist in developing a network of subject matter experts who will, upon request of the Executive Committee, assist in providing public-facing communications on behalf of MPA. 

a. These include​, ​ but are not limited to​, ​ position papers, social and traditional media posts​, ​ interviews, and testimony before legislative committees. 

b. The ​committee​ will work to develop a ​grassroots​ network of MPA members who can contact state and federal legislators ​about​ specific legislation. ​​​     ​​​     ​​​     ​​​     ​​​​     ​​​     ​​​     ​​​​     ​​​​     ​​​​​     ​​​     ​​ 

 

Current Priorities

Advocate for equity among MA-level psychologists in practice, supported by state legislative changes. Provision of testimony regarding matters of mental health through the use of psychological science and research. Advocacy for increased funding for graduate trainees and insurance reimbursement.
 

Connect with Us

For questions, suggestions, or to get involved, email advocacy@michiganpsychologicalassociation.org