You are not a drop in the ocean. You are the entire ocean in a drop.

                                 -Rumi

I found so much inspiration in gathering with our community at Convention a few weeks ago. As I said at the opening, I hope you all take some time to reflect on how vital your work is during difficult times. The practice of psychology is a profound act of healing that strengthens our clients and communities. Whether you are practicing in clinics, supporting organizations, or teaching in our colleges and universities, the work of psychologists matters.

2025 President's Wrap-Up

As this year comes to a close, it’s commonplace to look back on how we spent our time as an organization, where we succeeded, where we came up short, and where we are still learning and growing. Reflection is a time for appreciation and goal-setting, and there’s plenty of room for both when we look at 2025. I think we have all learned in challenging times to reframe what it means to have success legislatively and in the realm of political wins, and this mindset will continue to inform our goals as we look to cement our priorities in 2026. We will never stop advocating for our profession, for our patients, and for the citizens of Kentucky.

There are many behind the scenes activities happening all of the time to make our organizations run effectively. Earlier this fall we concluded our annual internal audit of the KPA and KPF finances. The audit is conducted by a committee composed of the current KPA Board of Directors President-Elect and three Non-Board KPA members. This year the three Non-Board members were Drs. Norah Chapman, Rae Lyn Glover and Melinda Moore. Also instrumental in the process was Dr. Lisa Steelsmith, our KPA treasurer, and KPA Director of Operations Sarah Burress. The close to 3-hour process involves an orientation and financial overview of our organization followed by the committee members each taking a random month and examining the following.

We’re excited to share a brief update on the Kentucky Psychological Foundation’s recent work and what’s ahead in the new year.

Are we ready? Let’s get ready to advocate for psychology and mental health services with legislators. Advocacy was a frequent topic at this year’s Annual Convention beginning with Dr. Maysa Akbar from APA who said,” Psychology is needed now more than ever.”

The 2026 session will begin on January 6, 2026. This is the 60-day budget session. KPA has a history of legislative success on mental health issues. However, at times these efforts have not been adequately funded or enforced. As some of you know, Dr Eric Russ, our KPA Executive Director also serves as our lobbyist. He has been very busy in the interim meeting with other mental health groups and legislators. Thanks to Dr. Russ, for keeping the committee and KPA aware of issues we need to address. His column will present specific bills and issues that will be monitored.

APA provided some recent updates on their advocacy efforts that are relevant to KPA members. I've attached the APA update from November 10 which highlights Medicare reimbursement rates for the coming year and includes the full text of a message from APA's CEO, Dr. Arthur C. Evans, about student loans below. From Dr. Evans: