ABOUT US
Advancing Psychology in Louisiana Since 1948
The Louisiana Psychological Association brings together psychologists from across the state to promote excellence in practice, education, research, and advocacy for the well-being of all Louisianians.
LPA is a voluntary, member-based, association with over 250+ members. We are the largest professional organization for psychologists in the state of Louisiana.
What We Do
LPA is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization whose mission is “to support and advance psychology as a science, as a profession, and as a means of promoting health, education, and human welfare.” We do this by:
- Contributing to scientific knowledge and inquiry in the field of Psychology;
- Disseminating this knowledge through education of our members and the general public;
- Promoting health and human welfare through the application of this knowledge.
Member Testimonials


Executive Council
The Executive Council shall have general supervision of the affairs of the association between its business meetings, fix the hour and place of meetings, appoint all APA-established positions for association service, make recommendations to the membership, and perform such other duties as are specified in these bylaws. The council shall be subject to the orders of the membership, and none of its acts shall conflict with action taken by the membership.
President
President-Elect
Past-President
Treasurer
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
APA Representative
History of Louisiana Psychological Association
1948 – The Founding of LPA
On March 6, 1948, the Louisiana Psychological Association (LPA) was established by psychology departments within the Louisiana Teachers Association (LTA) and Louisiana College Conference (LCC). The organization’s mission was to advance psychology as both a science and a profession while promoting human welfare. LPA focused on expanding membership across academic and applied fields and advocating for psychology’s legitimacy through legislative action. From the beginning, LPA played a crucial role in shaping psychology in Louisiana, laying the foundation for its future growth.
1950s – Expanding Focus and Legislative Action
As membership grew, LPA established two key committees to address professional concerns. In 1951, the Professional Problems Committee was created to support practicing psychologists, and in 1955, the Scientific Affairs Committee was formed to promote research and academic advancement. LPA also took its first major steps into legislative advocacy. Under the leadership of Dr. Thomas W. Richards, the association began drafting legislation to grant psychologists the ability to practice independently, setting the stage for future legal recognition.
1964 – Psychologists Gain Legal Status
A pivotal moment for psychology in Louisiana came on July 16, 1964, when LPA successfully campaigned for the Psychology Licensing Law (Act 347), granting psychologists legal status and the right to practice independently. This victory was the result of strategic lobbying, bill drafting by Dr. Ronald S. Pryer, and strong member support. LPA’s influence continued to grow, gaining official nonprofit status from the IRS in 1968. During the 1960s, LPA also expanded its committees, adding groups focused on public affairs, legislative issues, psychological evaluation, and insurance.
1980s – Strengthening Psychology’s Independence
2010s – Legislative Leadership and Advocacy
During the 2010s, LPA took a leading role in legislative efforts, including attending the first-ever Legislative Forum in 2014. The association consistently fought to protect psychologists’ independence, advocating for emergency admission rights, opposing the dissolution of the state psychology board, and resisting the controversial EPPP-2 exam. LPA also expanded its advocacy into regulatory issues such as insurance reimbursement and school psychology licensure. Beyond legislation, LPA members contributed to community initiatives, advising on issues like human trafficking prevention, Medicaid assessment, and anti-bullying programs.
2020s and Beyond – A Growing Legacy
As LPA moves into the future, its membership continues to grow, and its involvement in professional, scientific, and community initiatives expands. The association remains committed to its founding mission—advancing psychology as a science and profession while promoting human welfare. With ongoing legislative advocacy, regulatory efforts, and community engagement, LPA stands as a steadfast voice for psychologists across Louisiana, shaping the field for generations to come.
Louisiana Psychological Association Awards
LPA is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization whose mission is “to support and advance psychology as a science, as a profession, and as a means of promoting health, education, and human welfare.” We do this by:
- Contributing to scientific knowledge and inquiry in the field of Psychology;
- Disseminating this knowledge through education of our members and the general public;
- Promoting health and human welfare through the application of this knowledge.
2024 LPA Award Winners
EARLY CAREER PSYCHOLOGIST
Danielle Newman, Ph.D.
PSYCHOLOGY IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST
Murelle Harrison, Ph.D.
CONTRIBUTIONS IN PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE
Julie Buckner, Ph.D.
JANET R. MATTHEWS, PHD OUTSTANDING PSYCHOLOGY MENTOR AWARD
Philip Griffin, Ph.D.
DISTINGUISHED PSYCHOLOGIST
Richard Flicker, Ph.D.
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE IN PSYCHOLOGY
Randall Lemoine, Ph.D.
THE TOMMY STIGALL AWARD FOR LEGISLATIVE EXCELLENCE IN PSYCHOLOGY
Gregory Gormanous, Ph.D.
2024 Legislator Awards
Senator Eddie Lambert
Senator W. Jay Luneau
Representative Dustin Miller
2023 LPA Award Winners
EARLY CAREER PSYCHOLOGIST
Matthew Calamia, Ph.D.
PSYCHOLOGY IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST
Courney N. Baker, Ph.D.
CONTRIBUTIONS IN PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE
Joy D. Osofsky, Ph.D.
JANET R. MATTHEWS, PHD OUTSTANDING PSYCHOLOGY MENTOR AWARD
Christoph H. Leonhard, Ph.D.
DISTINGUISHED PSYCHOLOGIST
Paula Zeanah, Ph.D.
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE IN PSYCHOLOGY
Erin T. Reuther, Ph.D., ABPP
2022 LPA Award Winners
EARLY CAREER PSYCHOLOGIST
Claire Houtsma, Ph.D.
PSYCHOLOGY IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST
Clifton Mixon, Ph.D.
CONTRIBUTIONS IN PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE
Joseph I. Constans, Ph.D.
JANET R. MATTHEWS, PHD OUTSTANDING PSYCHOLOGY MENTOR AWARD
Hung-Chu Lin, Ph.D.
DISTINGUISHED PSYCHOLOGIST
Karen D. Slaton, Ph.D.
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE IN PSYCHOLOGY
Amy B. Dickson, Psy.D.
2021 LPA Award Winners
EARLY CAREER PSYCHOLOGIST
Amy Mikolajewski, Ph.D.
PSYCHOLOGY IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST
Sonia Blauvelt, Ph.D.
CONTRIBUTIONS IN PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE
Laurel Franklin, Ph.D.
JANET R. MATTHEWS, PHD OUTSTANDING PSYCHOLOGY MENTOR AWARD
Julie Larrieu, Ph.D.
DISTINGUISHED PSYCHOLOGIST
Charles Figley, Ph.D.
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE IN PSYCHOLOGY
Amy Henke, Psy.D
2020 LPA Award Winners
EARLY CAREER PSYCHOLOGIST
Amanda Raines, Ph.D.
PSYCHOLOGY IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST
Mkay Bonner, Ph.D.
CONTRIBUTIONS IN PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE
Paul Frick, Ph.D.
JANET R. MATTHEWS, PHD OUTSTANDING PSYCHOLOGY MENTOR AWARD
Lee Matthews, Ph.D.
DISTINGUISHED PSYCHOLOGIST
John Simoneaux, Ph.D.
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE IN PSYCHOLOGY
Erin T. Reuther, Ph.D., ABPP
LPA PRESIDENT’S AWARD
Ronald Boudreaux, Ph.D.

What is a Psychologist?
Psychologists play a vital role in understanding human behavior, mental health, and emotional well-being. They assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of psychological concerns, helping individuals lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. Whether working in clinical settings, research, education, or industry, psychologists contribute to the advancement of mental health care and scientific knowledge.
Want to learn more about the profession and its impact?
Connect, Learn, and Grow with LPA
Join the Louisiana Psychological Association at our annual Spring Conference and other exclusive LPA-sponsored events! Engage with leading experts, expand your professional network, and stay informed on the latest advancements in psychology. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your career, LPA events offer valuable insights, meaningful connections, and opportunities to shape the future of psychology in Louisiana.
