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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

Our organization functions to disseminate relevant information to our members and the general public regarding continued advances in the field of psychology.”
Christopher R. L. Parkinson
Christopher R. L. ParkinsonPh.D., ABPP
LPA is a hub and a gathering place where we can feel support and camaraderie with fellow psychologists: it is both big enough to bring something new to each meeting, and small enough to feel like a big family crawfish boil.
Denise Newman
Denise NewmanPh.D.

Executive Council

Read President's Message

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.

Amy Henke, Psy.D.

President

Kelley Pears, Ph.D.

President-Elect

Jesse Lambert, Psy.D., MP

Past-President

Kim VanGeffen, Ph.D.

Treasurer

Danielle Cottonham Mason, Ph.D.

Director

Sonia Blauvelt, Ph.D.

Director

Monica Stevens, Ph.D.

Director

Deborah Palmer, Ph.D.

Director

Koren Boggs, Ph.D.

Director

Lucinda DeGrange, Ph.D.

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

The 1980s marked a defining era for psychology’s professional autonomy in Louisiana. LPA played a key role in supporting legislation (Act 31, HB 458) that removed the requirement for psychologists to consult with physicians in order to practice. This decade also saw the launch of The Southern Psychologist, a regional journal published from 1982 to 1987, which gained recognition from renowned psychologists such as Hans Eysenck and Raymond Cattell. These advancements further solidified psychology’s role as an independent healthcare profession.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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?

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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.

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LPA is non-profit organization aimed at serving our professional members and the public at large. Your contributions assist in achieving our mission.
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