Originally published: . Volume 2, No. 1. Source pages: 1.
In a call from the Times today, Ms. Jaime Monic, Executive Director of the Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (LSBEP) said, “It is complicated, but the number appears to be about 31,” referring to the number of medical psychologists who have allowed their license with LSBEP to lapse.
When files of medical psychologists were transferred to the medical board last year there were a total of 58 certified medical psychologists, she noted.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 2, No. 1. Source pages: 16.
The Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC) which is a professional organization for those who do family court work (e.g. child custody) is holding their annual symposium on “Child Custody Evaluations” in Cambridge, October 28-30.
Dr. Alicia Pellegrin, psychologist from Baton Rouge, will be conducting a workshop titled, “Avoiding Bias in Child Custody Evaluations.”
She noted to the Times that “We have recently formed a Louisiana chapter of AFCC and it is important that psychologists who do this work are aware of this.”
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
The “Behavioral Health Professionals Working Group” met in July and August to begin their efforts to comply with the Senate’s Concurrent Resolution 100. The resolution asked the two boards to work together to develop language for legislation that clarifies the LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) scope of practice.
Minutes from the first meeting on July 28th, with Dr. Joseph Comaty as recorder, indicated that co-chairs
are Dr. Tony Young, the Vice Chair of the psychology board, and Mr. Michael Gootee, the chair of Government Relations for the Louisiana Counseling Association.
The minutes noted that the group discussed ways to approach the task, including looking at professional practice issues, such as similar settings, duties, and work as members of multidisciplinary team.
The minutes also noted the discussion of existing models including the MP model, the podiatric model, models from other states such as Kansas, and the “Superboard” model.
According to the minutes, the group discussed differences and similarities between the two boards, and how each regulates its members.
The minutes also noted, “The medical board regulates 17 other professions and physicians make up only about half of the number of professionals regulated. Dr. Marier explained the advantage to MPs of being regulated by the medical board which included a pathway for the development of enhanced practice (independent practice). But, to do this required them to meet numerous requirements, national exam, etc. Dr. Marier stressed that it would be important to think about where we are going with health care in the future and how we would develop areas of practice that would meet the needs of the community as we move forward.”
Among other topics the minutes listed discussion regarding: how the LPC board regulates their members and how they determine the validity of complaints; how both boards require members to pass a national exam; and how psychologists have national licensing standards from APA and ASPPB, while the counselors do not have similar national licensing groups.
The minutes also listed a discussion of what was expected by the legislature and “the impression is that the legislature
would like the groups to settle this in a way that would not require a repetition of what occurred this year in subsequent years. The members concurred.”
Mentioned also was, “Current issue of disagreement involves how the two disciplines interpret the LPC scope of practice language: …” It was noted that psychology interprets the language “to limit the diagnostic scope to non-Axis I disorders and maybe adjustment disorders, …” While counselors view the language as broader. “There is also a difference in what is considered to be the minimum required level of credential for independent practice and scope: …”
It was noted that, “Description of the practice of psychology is quite broad in the law and therefore, there is a lot of overlap with the scope of practice of counseling.”
“Dr. Comaty expressed the opinion that in an ideal progression, training, experience, and demonstration of competency would precede and support any change in scope of practice legislation. However, in the cases cited thus far (adding psychotherapy to scope for SW and LPCs) for example, the cart was put before the horse and the law was changed to expand scope based on fiscal and political expediency without any change in training, experience, or demonstration of competency to support added scope.” Then, “Some members felt that this was incorrect…”
Noted was a recommendation to “bring in respective laws governing practice to examine differences in language,” as well as preparations for future meetings.
(Minutes are available at the state boards and commissions website.)
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 2, No. 1. Source pages: 16.
The Second Annual NAPPP (National Alliance of Professional Psychology Providers) Conference will be held October 9th and 10th at the Tropicana Hotel in Las Vegas.
This year’s theme is “On Integrating Psychology Into Healthcare Reform.”
This year NAPPP will introduce a “private 30 minute consultation with a practice expert.” These sessions will be charged at a separate fee which will go to the “NAPPP Public Awareness Campaign.”
The consultants are prepared to help, share and provide attendees with tips, techniques and knowledge about their success in practice and business. There will be a small separate fee for these consultations. However, the consultants have agreed to contribute their entire fee to the NAPPP Public Awareness Campaign.
Board certified clinical neuropsychologist, Dr. Mike Chafetz is among those who will provide this mentoring service to colleagues at the conference.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 2, No. 1. Source pages: 1.
Publisher’s note: This issue of the Times marks the beginning of the second year of publication. It has been an interesting, educational and challenging year for many in our community.
In this issue you will find some of the highlights of the past eighteen months, with a special report on pages 9 and 10 that lists many of the events that moved the community along in various directions, events that will likely continue to unfold in the coming year. Also, some of the interesting photos are included throughout this issue.
I sincerely thank the readers, columnists, and all the contributors for their help over this last year. A community newspaper works best only with the involvement of its community.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 2, No. 1. Source pages: 2.
It’s the Times’ first birthday and I’m going to indulge myself by sharing with you some of my favorite reader comments. They are from different sorts of people, at different times throughout the year.
“Wow, wow, wow. Julie, what an incredible job you did. I look forward to reading every word …”
“This is the best psychology newspaper I have ever seen. It is terrific!! It looks like the culmination of a ton of hard work – yet you made it seem elegant and graceful.”
“Great job! It is very balanced and informative and will serve as a unifying force. I was really glad to see your reminder in the editorial that we are "scientists" and that we should call upon what we know as scientists to direct our actions and make effective decisions. You remain a very positive force — thanks.”
“Your paper gets better every month.”
“I just read the Psychology Times and I wanted to write and thank you. The work, as a whole, is incredible. I can tell that it required a lot of work, care, and time on your part, and it shows in the production. You truly have ink coursing through your CNS.”
(After being approved for the Louisiana Press Association) “Congratulations. Now you are an official pain in the ass.”
“I have read this issue [#5] of The Psychology Times from beginning to end. It was wonderful…so positive…so objective…just what we need. I really appreciate the work that you and your staff are doing. It is truly an expression of love for our field.”
“Like your father before you, you have been an advocate for the disenfranchised, the timid, and the ignorant. We all owe you a debt.”
“I just got through reading the new PT. What a great issue! Very hard hitting, and also most informative. Love the diversity discussion, and especially the candidate comparisons. What a great service this is. Every time I think an issue has topped all others, then a new one comes out that is even better. Amazing!”
“Another great issue of "The Times". I hope you don't get shot or anything.”
“Julie, it just keeps getting better and better.”
“Dear Madame Editor/Publisher: Congrats on attaining a full year under your belt. Nice work, Julie, and great professional service.”
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 2, No. 1. Source pages: 3.
According to their the agenda for their August 16- 17th meeting, the medical board decided to “undertake a rule making effort pursuant to Act 251 of the 2009 session of the Louisiana Legislature which, among other matters, transfers medical psychologists from the Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists to the Board. Draft rules are submitted to the Board for its consideration and discussion.”
Minutes from the Medical Psychology Advisory Committee’s meeting of September 16, 2009 and January 5, 2010 indicate that the group has been working on the proposed rules, and coordinating on certain issues with the psychology board.
The Times requested a copy of the draft from the board’s secretary but no response had been received yet.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 1, No. 12. Source pages: 7.
Disability Determinations Services (DDS) is currently recruiting psychologists to conduct Consult- ative Examinations, Ms. Lashonda O’Conner, Professional Relations Officer for DDS, told the Times.
Ms. O’Conner said, “We are currently recruiting licensed psychologists statewide to perform consultative examinations for our agency. The psychologists who participate in our program are providing a great service to our agency and to our claimants by providing us with information which helps in the adjudication process.”
She noted that psychologists who provide this service give needed additional assistance to claimants in their geographical area. This is because some claimants have to travel long distances to get to an exam. If they have the opportunity to be evaluated by a psychologist nearby, it is of great help to them.
Some of the advantages to the psychologist for providing this service, noted Ms. O’Conner, are the competitive fee, minimal record keeping and the flexibility to perform as many or as few evaluations as desired. In addition, she pointed out that psychologists are not required to provide treatment nor are they required to make the decision as to whether the claimant is disabled. Reports can be conveniently faxed or sent electronically to a secure website.
Interested psychologists can contact Professional Relations Officers at one of the three Disability Determinations Offices in Louisiana: Baton Rouge – Lashonda O’Conner, 1-800-256-2288 x 4454 or lashonda.oconner@ssa.gov; Ta Sha Alford, 1-800-256-2288 x 3529 or tasha.alford@ssa.gov;
New Orleans – Earl Lennie, 1-800- 256-2299 x 5500 or earl.lennie@ssa.gov;
Shreveport – Geraldine Clemons, 1- 800-256-2266 x 6573 or geraldine.clemons@ssa.gov; Christina Ware, 1-800-256-2266 x 6454 or christina.ware@ssa.gov.
Dr. Jim Van Hook listens to Ms. Lashonda O’Conner (center) and Ms. Ta Sha Alford discuss DDS at LPA convention.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 1, No. 12. Source pages: 9.
Representative Kay Katz, Chair of the House Health and Welfare Committee, introduced a resolution in the regular legislative session, commending the Louisiana Psychological Association for its achievements and designating June 10th, 2010 as LPA Day at the Legislature.
In a call from the Times, Rep. Katz explained that, “Every now and then we all need a pat on the back.” She discussed the difficult economic times in the state and said, “We are grateful for what all our people are doing out there. I just wanted to commend the men and women of the association for what they achieve.”
The resolution noted “… the contributions of psychology to health, wellness, productivity, and quality of life are widely noted, understood, valued, and utilized by society…” And that “… the men and women of the Louisiana Psychological Association have made a difference in the com- munities throughout this state; …” And, “… the members … are hereby commended for their commitment to community service and health and achievement and their quest in all endeavors to the public.”
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 1, No. 12. Source pages: 10.
(This column is the first in a series about health psychology.)
Health Psychology defines itself as the clinical specialty that applies scientific knowledge of the inter-relationships among behavioral, emotional, cog- nitive, social and biological com- ponents of psychology to serve people in heath and disease. Clinical health psychologists work to promote and maintain health in their own patients and participate in treatment and rehabilitation programs of medical patients. Their mission includes relating socio-cultural factors such as diversity, ethnicity, and gender to health issues.
The American Psychological Association (APA) has led the effort to introduce new Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes for billing to third party payers that reflect the increase in psychologist participation in health care. The codes apply when psychological services are given to patients whose primary diagnosis is medical, even when a secondary psychiatric diagnosis exists.
For example, CPT Code No. 96152 covers intervention services provided to an individual. Patients’ failures to adhere to treatment present major obstacles to regaining or maintaining health. Psychologists have the training and skill to assist patients in making behavioral changes that can be life enhancing and potentially life-saving. Compliance failure regarding medications is one critical area of health care that can be addressed behaviorally. Patients often leave a physician’s office with a prescription that never gets filled, fill their prescriptions but never take them, or fail to follow proper directions. Providing behavioral treatment to increase individual patient compliance would be billed under this code.
CPT Code 96150 covers initial assessment of psychological, social, and cultural factors that may contribute to complications in medical conditions and medical treatment. Cardiac patients represent one group that usually requires major life style changes as part of their medical treatment. An evaluation by a health psychologist would provide recommendations regarding changes in behaviors such as smoking or weight. A health psychologist also may be part of a medical team that provides cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, assessing and treating the complexities of body alterations. Additionally, most protocols for gender re-assignment surgery include psychological assessment early in the process to rule out serious mental illness and assist in facilitating adjustment across gender boundaries.
Other new CPT codes include 9615 – re-assessment, 96152 – individual intervention, 96154 – family member intervention with patient present, 96155 – family member intervention without patient present, and 96153 – group interventions.
In my next column I will feature some of the activities of health psychologists in Louisiana. Please send your questions and comments about health psychology to cweyand@cooper.net.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
A group of Louisiana psychologists and professors will present their work and knowledge at the 118th Annual Convention of the American Psych- ological Association. APA’s Convention will be in San Diego August 12th through 15th.
More than 60 CE workshops will be offered by the APA Continuing Education Committee (CEC) and the Office of Continuing Education in Psychology (CEP).
Other attractions include the famous San Diego Zoo, Wild Animal Park, Seaworld, and the Maritime Museum.
The Convention hosts a job fair, “Psych-Careers Job Fair.” And there are more than eighty exhibitors from all over the world.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
IO psychologist Dr. Courtland Chaney and colleague Dr. Kerry Sauley will lead the flagship course, “Fundamentals of Supervision” (FOS) once each month throughout this fall.
The course, first offered over 45 years ago, is a core part of the Management and Leadership Institute, a program of LSU Continuing Education. FOS focuses on supervisory and general management skills needed for success in managing people.
“This course is considered the flagship,” Courtland told the Times. “It has been around for more than 45 years. I’ve taught in the program for 27 years.”
Courtland is professor and instructor in the Department of Management in the E. J. Ourso College of Business at LSU, a licensed IO psychologist, and a consultant in the field of management, selection, and organizational development.
Along with Dr. Kerry Sauley, also an instructor in the LSU Department of Management and doctorate in IO, Chaney will instruct FOS, and other key courses provided in the Institute.
FOS is immensely popular with business and industry leaders, providing ongoing knowledge and skills of supervision needed for effective human relations. Greg Sepeda, engineering manager at Sigma Consulting Group in Baton Rouge, attends the course and regularly sends his coworkers. He told the Times, “I go to the course partly because the two presenters are so interesting and dynamic.” Lisa Verma, manager of the Institute, noted that Courtland and Kerry provide the psychological insight so important to the courses. And, she said, “Courtland and Kerry are two of our lead instructors and have helped us develop our other programs. They are very good at making the course practical, giving the tips and tools needed, and also the foundations and principles.”
Courtland explained that he designed and teaches about half of the content of the Human Resource Management Certificate Program at the Institute. In addition, Courtland and Kerry designed “Developing your Managerial Effectiveness,” about ten years ago. As a follow-up to FOS, this course helps participants learn about motivational models, causes of interpersonal conflict on the job, their own personality and behavior tendencies, and effective leadership styles. Other courses include “Managing the Overall Enterprise” and “Leading the Organization of Tomorrow.”
Courtland explained that these “… are additional advanced courses focusing on broader organizational leadership issues. I conceptualized the relevant content in about 2004 and in discussions with Kerry and Lisa Verma, created the courses at that time.”
Drs. Chaney’s and Sauley’s contributions from the psychological perspective are key to the training in organizational and personal development. Lisa commented to the Times that participants often come back and tell her how the information has positively impacted their lives, not just in work, but also in psychological areas. “We know we touch peoples lives with these programs,” she said.
FOS is offered in a three-day format throughout the fall. For more information about this and other courses contact Institute manager Lisa Verma at 225-578-4316 or lverma@outreach.lsu.edu.
Dr. Courtland Chaney leads discussion in “Fundamentals of Supervision,” a popular LSU Continuing Education Course. Courtland is an IO psychologist, and a professor and instructor in the Department of Management, E. J. Ourso College of Business at LSU. He consults in the field of management, personnel selection, and organizational development. Dr. Kerry Sauley is an instructor in the Department of Management at LSU. His doctorate is in industrial- organizational psychology. Kerry is an active business consultant and specializes in management training and human resources development.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
A final draft of the rules for medical psychologists will be presented to the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners at their August 16-17th meeting, according to Dr. Robert Maria, executive director of the medical board. The meeting will take place at 1515 Poydras Street, Suite 2700, in New Orleans. The Suite is on the 5th floor in the auditorium.
The meeting is being held at the temporary office of the board. The regular offices, located at 630 Camp Street, are closed for renovations.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 1, No. 12. Source pages: 12.
In its July/August issue, The National Psychologist reported an “online squabble” that revealed APA’s practice assessment is not mandatory.
In a series of conflicts and arguments online, prompted by Timothy Tumlin, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist from Illinois, individuals discussed whether APA members had been misled into paying the assessment. The negative interactions “dragged on” for so long that eight people requested to be taken off the listserv, according to NP. Some named the problem, “Fee-gate.”
NP noted that the “flap on the listservs of the APA that stretched from late March into early May revealed” that the fee was not required.
According to a memo in the NAPPP August newsletter, the APA Board of Directors issued a statement on May 5th that attempted to clarify the situation and the nature of the assessment. They explained that the assessment was voluntary, but mandatory for anyone that wanted to be a member of the APA Practice Organization.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.