Dr. Matthew Holcomb captured the majority of votes in a state psychology board election conducted online by the Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists, reported at the board’s long-range meeting last month. Holcomb received 152 votes of the 256 votes cast. Eligible voters, those licensed under the state board as psychologists, total 820 individuals. Dr. Jesse Lambert received 78 votes. Both names will be submitted to the governor by the Louisiana Psychological Association, with their customary recommendation that the Governor appoint the individual with the most votes.
The Gov. may appoint any individual submitted on the list, however.
The individual who is appointed will fill the position to be vacated by Dr. Gina Gibson, currently the chair and who will finish her service in June this year. Dr. Gibson filled the unexpired position of Dr. Crouch when she had to unexpectedly relocate.
Dr. Holcomb is from New Orleans and was originally licensed in 2015. His specialty is clinical neuropsychology and he works with the Jefferson Neurobehavioral group. he is also a Consulting Clinical Psychologist Pine Grove Behavioral Health Assessment Clinic. He earned his degree in 2012 from Ball State University in school psychology.
On his candidate statement he said, “The main function of our licensing board is to protect the people of Louisiana from the “unqualified and improper application” of psychology. That’s a broad mission statement, which often puts our board in a position to affect change within the field of psychology. There can be no doubt that the next few years will see additional and potentially major changes in our field. Affecting change and having a voice when those changes are discussed are a motivation for serving on the LSBEP.
“Nationally, organizations like ABPP often push agendas that may not benefit psychologists or the public in Louisiana. Issues such as the EPPP-2 and PsyPACT could harm the practice of psychology in Louisiana. LSBEP has a history of standing against efforts which would not benefit our state, and I wish to continue that legacy. Locally, our board faces financial issues and concerns of over-reach. I want to serve on the LSBEP to be a positive force for change.
“I have served on LPA’s legislative affairs committee for several years and am currently the Treasurer of the Louisiana Psychological Association (LPA) and a member of the Executive Committee. […] I believe I am prepared to sit in the LSBEP.”