Article archive / November 1, 2009
Originally published: . Volume 1, No. 3. Source pages: 3.
Dr. Joseph Comaty, current board member, and Jaime Monic, Executive Director, attended the 49th Annual Meeting of the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Oct 28 to Nov. 1.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Article archive / November 1, 2009
Originally published: . Volume 1, No. 3. Source pages: 3.
Dr. Julie Nelson was approved for membership in the Louisiana Press Association, at the October meeting of its Board of Directors. She is Editor/Publisher of The Psychology Times.
Nelson was sponsored for membership by Mr. Robert Holeman, retired publisher of The Winn Parish Enterprise and one time editor of The Coushatta Citizen, published at that time by Gordon and Evelyn Nelson.
Mr. Holeman said, “Working for Gordon drove me crazy, but I learned more from him than anyone else in my 35 years in journalism.” He also recalled the turbulent times in Red River Parish, when an angry Superintendent of Schools assaulted him for his reporting efforts.
The story and a picture were put on the front page of the Citizen.
Nelson points out bullet holes in the sign from front door of The Coushatta Citizen, damaged in a drive- by shooting of the KKK, during the 1960s.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Article archive / November 1, 2009
Originally published: . Volume 1, No. 3. Source pages: 4.
President Judith Levy announced on the LPA Listserv that the “Executive Committee of LPA will sponsor a meeting for LPA members and other interested Louisiana Psychologists in the near future.” She wrote that the purpose would be to “discuss constructive ways for LPA to move forward, given the controversies of the last several months.” Dr. Levy wrote that the meeting was tentatively set for November 21st. However since that time it has been discussed that the bylaws require 30 days notice and additional arrangements may be considered.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Article archive / November 1, 2009
Originally published: . Volume 1, No. 3. Source pages: 4.
PT asked Dr. Levy if she intended to request Dr. Quillin’s resignation from the Chair of Legislative and Public Affairs, now that he is on the Medical Advisory Committee and “…cannot represent the interests of the Medical Board and those of LPA at the same time.” This question extended to Dr. Lowe, who is also on the Medical Advisory Committee.
Dr. Levy answered in a memo on Listserv that Dr. Quillin has “an exceptional level of political expertise” and she did not intend to ask for his resignation because he is well suited to his position. She added that Dr. Lowe would also continue in his position on the EC.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Article archive / November 1, 2009
Originally published: . Volume 1, No. 3. Source pages: 5.
The lobbying firm of Courson & Nickel, assist both the Louisiana Psychological Association and the Louisiana Academy of Medical Psychologists, based on lobbyist’s reports filed with the State Ethics Board.
Mr. Courson’s report for the period of January 1 this year through present, indicated that the pay category for LPA was $24,999 or less. The report gave the pay category for LAMP as between $25,000 and $49,999. Mr. Nickel’s report was the same. He reported the pay for LPA was $24,999 or less, and $25,000 to $49,999 for LAMP.
The reports also required a notation as to the subject matter. The lobbyists reported the subject for both LPA and LAMP was “Health care: pharmaceutical and medical devices; research; development; sales.”
In his yearly report, Chair of Legislative and Public Policy for LPA, Dr. Jim Quillin, indicated that for 2008, association concerns involved the review of pre-filed bills regarding medical malpractice and workers compensation. His 2009 report indicated the subject of concern was the LPC Board’s rule to allow LPCs to perform psychological testing.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Article archive / November 1, 2009
Originally published: . Volume 1, No. 3. Source pages: 10.
With Dance with a Stranger, The New Orleans-Birmingham Psychoanalytic Center continues exploration of historical characters as portrayed in film. The film examines the complexities of culture, crime and punishment. On July 13, 1955, Ruth Ellis became the last woman to be hanged in England. With a smart, tough little script, this film is a dissection of the human frustration and complex class issues surrounding her crime.
The discussant will be psychoanalyst Marilyn Skinner, MD. General admission is $5. For mental health professionals wishing to receive 3 continuing education credit, admission is $15.
Viewing and discussion will take place on Sunday, November 22, 2009, 2pm at The New Orleans-Birmingham Psychoanalytic Center; 3624 Coliseum Street New Orleans, LA 70115.
For more information call 504-899- 5818 or go to the Center website www.nobpc.org.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Article archive / November 1, 2009
Originally published: . Volume 1, No. 3. Source pages: 10.
Dr. Kevin Bianchini, from the Jefferson Neurobehavioral Group, and Dr. Kevin Greve of the University of New Orleans will present a workshop at the prestigious Annual Conference of the National Academy of Neuropsychology. The conference will be held in New Orleans at the Sheraton, November 11- 14.
In their workshop, “Pain Psychology for Neuropsychologists,” the presenters will examine the psychological factors that impact and complicate the clinical picture of pain. Participants will learn about the epidemiology and impact of chronic pain and how psychosocial factors complicate recovery, as well as the role of financial incentives on symptoms and outcomes. Also, “The role of somatization and its variants, including pain sensitivity or pain catastrophizing will be reviewed.” Participants will be able to update their understanding of recent research and review case illustrations, as well as earn CE credits.
Chronic pain, with a lifetime incidence that may exceed 50%, and often in the context of a legally compensable event or workers compensation claim, can be important to many practicing neuropsychologists and psychologists.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Article archive / November 1, 2009
Originally published: . Volume 1, No. 3. Source pages: 11.
In their presentation at the National Association of Neuropsychologists Convention in New Orleans this month, Dr. John Bolter and Dr. Jim Quillin will review information about Act 251, according to the presentation description provided by NAN.
“Drs. Bolter and Quillin were the primary authors of the prescription movement in Louisiana, and are both licensed to practice medical psychology in Louisiana. From its inception, they have coordinated all matters related to prescription privileges for psychologists, including writing the legislation, establishing a PAC, orchestrating legislative efforts, writing the regulatory standards and insuring proper implementation of the prescriptive authority. More recently they were instrumental in the recent establishment of the ‘Medical Psychology Practice Act’ in Louisiana.”
The NAN outline also notes that “Discussants will review the political controversies that accompanied the passage of these regulations, both from within and outside the profession of psychology, and the strategies adopted to successfully negotiate them.”
“Audience participation in discussions of the pros and cons and feasibility of enacting similar changes in other jurisdictions will be encouraged,” notes the outline.
Grassroots spokesperson, Dr. Mike Chafetz wrote a formal request to NAN asking to cancel the workshop or to allow a formal rebuttal during the presentation. But, NAN officials felt that that would not be consistent with the theme of the session, and encouraged other viewpoints and positions be expressed as questions in the Q & A audience participation.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Article archive / November 1, 2009
Originally published: . Volume 1, No. 3. Source pages: 11.
We’re introducing a new feature, to see if readers will like it. It was brought to our attention that there are times when someone wants to know what his or her peers are doing or thinking. This section is to help psychologists survey other psychologists and psychology professors. First we wanna know, “What do you wanna know?” So send your survey ideas to PsychologyTimes@gmail.com.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Article archive / November 1, 2009
Originally published: . Volume 1, No. 3. Source pages: 11.
Omega-3 fatty acids may be therapeutic in cases of childhood depression. Twenty children with childhood major depression were given 400 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 200 mg docosapentaenoic acid (DHA) daily for 1 month. Seven out of ten children taking the omega-3 fatty acids showed a 50% reduction in depression scores and 4 children achieved remission. Highly significant differences were found for omega-3 supplementation on symptoms of childhood depression when compared to placebo.
Nemets, H., Nemets, B., Apter, A., Bracha, Z., & Belmaker, R. H. (2006). Omega-3 Treatment of Childhood Depression: A Controlled, Double-Blind Pilot Study. Am J Psychiatry, 163, 1098-1100.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Article archive / November 1, 2009
Originally published: . Volume 1, No. 3. Source pages: 1, 3.
Representing different specialties and work settings, seven psychologists volunteered to become nominees to serve on the Board of Examiners to fill three positions. Ballots were mailed Friday to licensed psychologists throughout the state.
Nominees volunteering are Dr. Glenn Ahava (CL, Lafayette), Dr. Mkay Bonner (IO, West Monroe), Dr. Rita Culross (ED, Baton Rouge), Dr. Gary Jones (CL, Shreveport), Dr. Lee Matthews (CL/CN, Kenner), Dr. John Simoneaux, (CO, Pineville), and Dr. Tony Young (CL, Ruston).
Three positions are to be filled. A regular opening for July 2010 is created by Dr. Jillandra Rovartis in completing her term. The Governor will appoint one individual for this five- year position, which ends in June 2015. Additionally, recent resignations require two more appointees to fill unexpired terms of Dr. Glenn Ally and Dr. Paul Dammers. Dr. Ally resigned effective September 15th and Dr. Dammers has given his resignation for December 31st. The position vacated by Dr. Ally ends in June, 2012 and that of Dr. Dammers ends in June, 2013.
Dr. Rovaris is currently Chair of the Complaints and Long-Range Planning Committees for the 2009-2010 assignments. Dr. Ally was Chair on Legislative Oversight, Oral Examination, Liaison to Professional Organizations and Boards, Vice Chair for Supervision and Credentials Review, and Jurisprudence Examination. Dr. Dammers will leave as Chair of Supervision and Credentials Review, Continuing Education, and Vice Chair of Oral Examination.
Dr. Joseph Comaty remains on the board, in Complaints and Long- Range Planning. And Dr. John Courtney remains, on Legislative Oversight, Continuing Education, and Jurisprudence Examination Committees.
Recent controversy about Act 251 had highlighted the imbalance in the board, predominately composed of psychologists with the MP credential, and concerned some that the Board had had a part to play in the negotiation of Act 251. However, in an interview with Psychology Times, Jaime Monic, Executive Director, noted that the LSBEP was never contacted or consulted on the legislation leading to Act 251.
Board members serve without compensation, and meet on a regularly scheduled basis each month, to establish rules and regulations for administering the law, examining candidates and investigating complaints and violations.
Editors Note: The Times would like to thank and honor all seven of our colleagues for unselfishly offering to serve.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Article archive / November 1, 2009
Originally published: . Volume 1, No. 3. Source pages: 12, 5.
I was on the Montel Williams Show. Julie, our esteemed publisher, has been pressing me to write about the experience in my column. I’m more impressed that I danced on the Larry Kane Show, the Houston equivalent of American Bandstand, in high school. But this is the Psychology Times and I am writing for psychologists, so here’s what happened.
Before 9/11 I had enjoyed many years in the New Orleans media, as the guest expert on numerous radio and television programs, producer and host of a classical music radio show, regular guest host of a jazz radio show, psychologist and consulting producer for a teen television talk show, and producer and host of a television call-in health show. I’d even gotten a couple of awards for producing a television show on which I interviewed various psychologists, promoted community events, and featured musical performances.
I had been invited to be on Montel many years earlier, but had declined this and other chances to be on the national media scene. Except for trips to cities across the country, to train others in media skills and to present my own media research, my focus was on the local media and on raising my children. Then came the destruction. Like many others, I began to re-evaluate what I was doing with my life. Was this the time to shift gears?
So off to New York I went, where the show put me up in a fancy hotel, a driver ferried me to the studio, and an assistant escorted me to the green room, where a generous array of snacks, sandwiches, desserts, and beverages awaited me. After signing all the requisite paperwork, a staff member took me to the in-house salon, the hair and make-up people fixed me up, and out I went, in front of a sea of audience members, to talk to Montel’s guests.
I had been briefed on their problems before my trip, felt right at home in my “natural habitat”, and had a lot of confidence in my recommendations. Everything went smoothly. A media colleague of mine, who’d been a respected television news anchor, saw the program and called to say “Susan, the camera loves you!”
The feeling is mutual. I love the camera, and the microphone, and the opportunities the media provides for communicating with the public, which is my real passion.
As I was on the plane headed back home my re- assessment of my life continued. By now my children were grown and gone, and I had enjoyed a satisfying local media career. Was now the time to pursue this national opportunity?
Next month I will tell you what I decided, and what happened.
Media Psychologist Dr. Susan Dardard gets ready to introduce celebrity guest. See her column about media psychology, page 12.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Article archive / November 1, 2009
Originally published: . Volume 1, No. 3. Source pages: 1, 3.
Writing on behalf of Grassroots Initiative, Dr. Kim VanGeffen asked LPA to apply for an emergency grant from APA to fund defensive actions against Act 251. This Act is the recent law transferring Medical Psychologists to the Medical Board, and creating a second regulatory body in Louisiana for the practice of psychology.
In the letter, presented to LPA President Dr. Judith Levy at the Executive Committee meeting on October 24th, Dr. VanGeffen wrote, “We understand that this bill was proposed by LAMP. We also have the distinct impression that LAMP drafted this legislation without adequate consultation with members of LPA, the broader membership of medical psychologists, and other licensed psychologists in the state.”
She noted that funding was needed to halt the implementation of the law until it’s full impact on psychology could be reviewed and analyzed by all those concerned, including several national groups that have contacted Grassroots.
Dr. Tommy Stigall, (left) Dr. Tom Hannie, and Connie Stigall meet at lunch in Baton Rouge and discuss recent events impacting the psychological community.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Article archive / November 1, 2009
Originally published: . Volume 1, No. 3. Source pages: 12.
PT goofed in the name/spelling of Lynn Schechter’s grandmother’s alma mater. But we’re cool, because there’s more to the story.
Lynn’s “grandma” was Mildred Schechter, who died a few years ago at age 101. She attended Wellesley. Lynn’s uncle, Alan Schechter, who like Lynn, obtained his doctorate at Columbia (although in political science) was a professor for many years at Wellesley, and is now emeritus. “In fact,” said Lynn, “He was Hillary Clinton’s professor and undergraduate advisor, and there’s a picture of him in her biography.” Dr. Alan Schechter went on to be appointed chair of the Fullbright scholarship by Bill Clinton when he was in office.
The Wellesley distinction is important and PT appreciates being able to make this correction.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Article archive / October 1, 2009
Originally published: . Volume 1, No. 2. Source pages: 1, 3.
In response to the issues affecting the psychological community in Louisiana, a group of psychologists have launched “Grassroots Initiative.” The mission of the group is to revitalize psychology in the state, supporting the interests and contributions of all psychologists, and helping reconnect with important core values.
Spokesperson for the group, Dr. Mike Chafetz, said to Psychology Times, “We are forming an open community free from the hidden agendas that have been so draining to professional psychology in Louisiana. There has been so much inactivity for so long. So much of our energy and resources have been exploited for so long, by people who no longer identify with psychology.”
According to Dr. Chafetz, “Grassroots” will seek an inclusive, open, and positive direction for psychology, supporting the values that psychologists believe in and practice. He also noted that the group is interesting and enjoyable. “I’m having so much fun,” he said, about the people and types of activities in the formation stage of Grassroots. “This is a great group of people who are enhancing interest and energy in our profession in Louisiana. This is the most excitement I’ve had in psychology in a long time.”
The Grassroots group, which has been growing in numbers since July, also aims to work toward a more responsive, participative state professional organization, and a more diverse, representative psychology board.
“We want to let everyone know that they are welcome to join with us. I think it would be cool to have as many people involved as we can.” Interested persons can contact the group at info@grassrootsinitiativeL A.com, for more info.
(Disclosure: Julie Nelson is a member of Grassroots Initiative.)
Dr. Art Rosenkrantz looks on while Dr. Mike Chafetz directs him to the website for “Grassroots Initiative.”
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.