1. Advocacy for Psychologists in Louisiana
The future of psychology in Louisiana is often dictated by decisions made by our elected officials. Given this fact, it is important that psychologists have a strong voice on matters of practice, patients’ rights, privacy, and all continuously evolving professional matters. LPA has the ear of our legislators on many key issues through our Legislative & Governmental Affairs Committee and LPA’s lobbyist. A portion of membership dues allows for continued advocacy on your behalf.
2. Education
LPA provides members with up-to-date information on a variety of topics through our online blog. Here, members can access information relevant to practice, ethics, research, and many other areas as well as featured publications by LPA members. We also hold an annual conference, fall/winter workshop, and conduct periodic webinars to broaden your knowledge base and earn continuing professional development (CPD) credits. These events are offered at a discounted rate to members.
3. Career Opportunities
Joining LPA allows you to remain updated regarding various career opportunities (e.g. private practice, school, medical centers, academics, research, etc.) through our membership listserv. This is a great method for finding new professional opportunities across the state and at times neighboring southern states. Conversely, LPA members seeking to hire qualified psychologists have access to a pool of over 150+ professionals.
4. Ethics Consultations
Experiencing an ethically challenging situation with a client or a colleague and need some guidance? LPA members can submit a consultation through our website to assist with navigating professional pitfalls. At no cost, LPA members can have ethical questions/concerns reviewed by our Professional Affairs Committee’s Ethics Sub-Committee, and or knowledgeable leadership team to get timely, well-informed direction on various matters and put you in touch with resources when necessary.
5. Expanding Your CV:
LPA members have access to our Speaker’s Bureau, a service-oriented program whereby members may contact LPA when seeking a guest speaker for a function or organization. These speakers change from year to year, but include subject matter experts in areas such as neurocognitive disorders, rehabilitation psychology, industrial-organizational, child psychology, aspects of diversity, forensics, and various areas of psychopathology.
6. Networking
LPA periodically holds social events for members throughout the year for general membership and for sub-categories of membership such as early career and new full members. These events along with our lunch and learns during our annual convention and fall/winter workshop function to provide forums to meet and form lasting professional and personal relationships with other psychologists, many of which last a lifetime.
7. Membership Directory
As a benefit of LPA membership, members are included in our membership directory. Unable to find contact information for a colleague you met at our annual conference or fall/winter workshop? Search our professional membership directory to reconnect. Our directory also allows for prospective clients or interested parties to retrieve information such as your office phone number, specialty, accepted insurance providers, and more.
8. Speaker’s Bureau
LPA members have access to our Speaker’s Bureau, a service-oriented program whereby LPA members may opt to be listed to speak at at professional functions. Members may also be interested in locating a guest lecturer. Speakers change from year to year, but currently include subject matter experts in areas such as neurocognitive disorders, rehabilitation psychology, industrial-organizational, child psychology, aspects of diversity, forensics, and various areas of psychopathology.
9. Listserv Membership
Upon joining LPA, members obtain access to the general membership listserv. The listserv is a resource available to members in order to connect with the general LPA membership instantly to disseminate information such as job postings, research projects, and opportunities for collaboration and professional development. The listserv is also used for consultation, patient referrals, and general dissemination of information to LPA members.
10. Committees & Interest Groups
Upon joining LPA, members have access to 12 different Interest Groups (IGs). IGs provide connection with other LPA members whose interests in the field of psychology overlap. Free membership in IGs is a benefit available to all LPA members. Members are also eligible to participate in 6 standing committees, various sub-committees, and ad-hoc committees to promote organization growth and development.
These are just a few of the benefits of LPA membership with many more for you to explore in our continuously growing organization!