To my fellow NASP members,

I am calling on each of you to join a collective advocacy effort on a critically important professional issue that affects us all. This will only take 2 minutes of your time and will make a major impact. APA is currently seeking comments on its recommendations surrounding the Title and Scope of Master’s Trained Health Service Psychology Professionals, which will provide guidance to state agencies regarding the necessary qualifications and scope of practice for licensure in a variety of settings.

NASP's professional relationships with the APA enabled our participation on the drafting task force, ensuring our profession and standards were represented in crafting these recommendations. We must now raise our collective voice to safeguard the title “school psychologist” in the final version.

Before the comment period closes in November, I am asking you to join your voice with others of our field and actively engage in this effort to ensure that the title “school psychologist” is only used by professionals with sufficient training and expertise to meet our standards.

Use the link below to access instructions for submitting a comment that will emphasize the need to include the vital role and distinct skillset that school psychologists offer our communities in APA’s recommendations. In this moment, let us affirm the essential ways that school psychologists support children and families.

While threats to our profession arise at various times and in various forms, this moment exemplifies how constructive conversations and positive relationships can prevail. I urge you to take action for our profession’s growth and relevance. Together, we can make a profound impact on mental health service delivery.

In Solidarity,

Peter Faustino

NASP President 

Launch Into advocacy by making a difference in Oregon! Effective communication is especially important as we advocate for systems change that will support school psychologists in practice. Whether your advocacy skills are practiced and honed or just starting, today is a day to consider what your community needs, how you can advocate for needed change, and bring attention to the critical shortage of school psychologists. Write letters to your representatives, contact members of your local school board, or participate in NASP’s Advocacy Action! 

•  Go to NASP Action Center  and write your state legislators to ask them  to support school psychologists and school mental and behavioral health services by supporting legislation to address shortages such as an Oregon Tuition Service Obligation Grant. This legislation will provide critical funding to increase access to services and address workforce shortages.

• Post a message in support of this legislation to your social media accounts. Please share on social media and be sure to tag @orschoolpyschassociation and @nasponline and use #SchoolPsychWeek in your posts!