I view advocacy as a means to empower and educate our communities, clients, students, professional circles, and legislators.
Advocate Spotlight: Jessica M. Smedley, PsyD
Jessica M. Smedley, PsyD, is an award winning clinical psychologist and published author in the DC Metro area
How and why did you first become engaged in advocacy for psychology?
I often start my advocacy story thinking about the legacy of my maternal grandmother, as she was someone who simply spoke up and was a supporter of the underdog. Further, I believe that my family history and sociocultural position create unique opportunities for me to naturally thread aspects of advocacy into my work whether at the individual/clinical level or the macro level of using my voice with local and national legislators. My first experience advocating for the field specifically was during my time with the Ohio Psychological Association as I was completing my post-doc while engaged in their Leadership Development Academy. It was also during this time that they entrusted me to represent the association at my first Practice Leadership Conference (now known as APA PSLC). Past OPA and APA Board members encouraged me to get involved and also instilled a greater confidence in my professional identity to find my voice and to represent the field in many ways.
What is something important you have learned about advocacy that has made you more effective?
It is imperative that you be yourself and trust your expertise. Sometimes we overthink the power of human connection and rapport building which is one of the most powerful tools of advocacy.
What do you think are the biggest challenges in advocacy for psychology?
I believe we overthink the PAC as a profession. If more of us gave even a small amount, we could have greater influence in some of our professional goals and needs.
How is your advocacy work supporting underserved communities (including but not limited to LGBTQ, communities of color, and people with disabilities)?
I don’t limit my advocacy to just one lane. I view advocacy as a means to empower and educate our communities, clients, students, professional circles, and legislators. I am intentional about my “yes” and how I make myself available to specific advocacy topics. Further, I believe local advocacy is imperative when supporting marginalized or underserved communities. Whether participating in local organized events, speaking engagements, attending local government meetings, building relationships with key stakeholders, or planting seeds with youth who may not know psychology healthcare is a professional option, I find creative ways to let folks know that there are gaps in our ability to meet needs of vulnerable populations and in our ability to continue growing as a profession.
Brief Biography
Jessica M. Smedley, PsyD is an award winning clinical psychologist and published author in the DC Metro area. She balances her professional time between her private practice, adjunct teaching at Howard University and her alma mater, Fuller Theological Seminary, and speaking engagements. She has a unique training as a seminary trained psychologist, with research and clinical background in spirituality and trauma, namely in urban settings mostly comprised of marginalized populations. She has held many professional leadership roles to include past president of the DC Psychological Association; past chair of the APA Advocacy Coordinating Committee; past chair of the Diversity Subcommittee of the APA Committee of State Leaders; and past diversity chair of the Ohio Psychological Association. Further, she has established local and national relationships with media outlets who have relied on her expert knowledge in aspects of trauma, relationships, and general mental health wellbeing.
Home State: Maryland
SPTA Membership:
- District of Columbia Psychological Association
Date created: October 2026
