Advancing legislation typically requires patience, perseverance and persistence, often across years, slowly gaining support and momentum with legislators.
Advocate Spotlight: John E. Northman, PhD, ABPP
How and why did you first become engaged in advocacy for psychology?
When I first became president of the Psychological Association of Western New York (Buffalo area), I had no idea how quickly I would become immersed in advocacy. As briefly explained in the attached biographical statement, almost immediately I recognized the need for we psychologists to advocate for ourselves before seemingly all-powerful insurance companies. This energized a feeling of self-empowerment: We psychologists can indeed be effective advocates: for psychology, for organizations to which we belong (such as APA and STPAs), and for the people whom we serve.
What is something important you have learned about advocacy that has made you more effective?
The need for vigilance, persistence, and perseverance. Advancing legislation typically requires patience, perseverance and persistence, often across years, slowly gaining support and momentum with legislators. And within the legislative process, always be on the lookout for support from other organizations. Coalition-building is very much part of an effective legislative strategy.
Can you give us a key tip in doing successful advocacy that others may not be aware of?
Be positive with others. Successful advocacy involves relationship building. And stay issue-oriented. You may strongly disagree with someone on one issue, but find that you're in agreement on another. With a good, healthy working relationship, with mutual appreciation and respect, you'll go a lot further with your advocacy efforts. And do keep in mind: We psychologists are especially well-versed in relationship building.
What would you want APA members who are not engaged in advocacy to know?
Advocacy can involve a broad range of activities, which together yield a positive effect. So to give just a few hypothetical examples: One may perhaps be hesitant about making a lobbying visit to a legislator, but could you use your psychological expertise to help develop a handout to be delivered by someone else? Or one may feel out-of-place if one were to attend a political fundraiser, but could you contribute to the psychology PAC? Or could you use a personal connection to facilitate a dialogue between a highly placed insurance executive and your state's director of professional affairs? So do think broadly and “outside the box,” because everyone has something to contribute to advocacy.
Biographical information
Engagement in advocacy began inauspiciously when, in mid-1987, a mere three weeks into my new role as president of the Psychological Association of Western New York (Buffalo area), crisis erupted: the Blue Cross HMO broke its contract with psychologists by arbitrarily reducing payments. Lucky me, soon the recipient of numerous phone calls, all pleading, “John, what are you going to do about it?” Well, one suit, four years, 26 psychologist/plaintiffs, one APA Legal Defense Fund matching grant, multiple lawyers and many depositions later, Blue Cross settled. Little did I recognize the harbinger of things to come, either for me or for the profession. During the subsequent years I have been fortunate to have served in many leadership roles with a strong emphasis on advocacy, both within APA (including federal advocacy coordinator) and the New York State Psychological Association (including president and legislative chair). I have long especially enjoyed lobbying in Washington and Albany and mentoring colleagues in advocacy activities. But the most significant challenge occurred during 2001, the year of my presidency of NYSPA, the year of September 11. It was then that I was, suddenly and certainly unexpectedly, in a two-fold leadership role: 1) Guiding NYSPA in its appropriately reactive response to the unique and seemingly overwhelming circumstances and challenges presented by 9/11, and 2) Simultaneously maintaining appropriate organizational focus on previously established priorities, goals and tasks.
Home state: New York
APA divisions:
- Division 31 (State, Provincial and Territorial Psychological Association Affairs)
- Division 42 (Psychologists in Independent Practice)
- Division 43 (Society for Couple and Family Psychology)
SPTA membership: New York State Psychological Association
Date created: August 2026
