Workforce Development

APA Services is committed to meeting behavioral health needs across the country by advocating for programs and policies that support the interprofessional education and training of psychologists.

Our focus

We advocate for the future psychology workforce by focusing on the following federal programs:

Young woman speaking with healthcare professional

Graduate Psychology Education Program

Behavioral Health Workforce and Education Training Program

APA Minority Fellowship Program

Our efforts on this issue advance the following advocacy priorities:

Application of psychological science to pre-K, K–12, and higher education
Psychology workforce development across the lifespan

What you can do

Stay informed

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Get involved

Learn more about the process behind federal legislation and policy and how to effectively voice your concerns with members of Congress.

Join an APA division

APA’s 54 divisions provide many ways for you to network with professionals in your field and become an influencer in your area of interest.

Related issues

Contact us

Kenneth Polishchuk
Deputy Chief, Education and Science Policy

Raegina Likewise
Director of Congressional and Federal Relations

Email APA Advocacy Office

Recent advocacy on workforce development

Students gather and talk in a campus walkway while a student in the foreground carries folders and a backpack.

Opposing the Department of Education’s accreditation proposal

October 6, 2026

APA Services urged the department to pursue targeted accreditation reforms without weakening discipline-specific review, disrupting psychology education and training, or worsening the behavioral health workforce shortage

Sign outside the U.S. Department of Education headquarters building in Washington, D.C.

Opposing proposed changes to Department of Education grant regulations

October 6, 2026

APA Services urged the Department of Education to withdraw proposed changes to its grant administration regulations, citing concerns about research funding, grant stability, transparency, and the future of education and workforce development programs

Close-up of an H-1B visa document and paperwork placed on a calendar.

Advocacy leads to key exemptions in proposed fees for international psychologists working in the US

August 27, 2026

APA Services helped secure key exemptions in a proposed H-1B visa fee rule, protecting higher education, research, and nonprofit teaching institutions that rely on international psychology talent

Woman seated at a home office desk participating in a video conference on a computer monitor.

Opposing proposed changes to government-wide grant funding

July 10, 2026

APA Services is pushing back against a sweeping proposal that could politicize federal grantmaking, weaken peer review, and disrupt research, training, and behavioral health services nationwide

More on workforce development

APA Workforce Programs and Legislation Factsheet opens in new window

Explanation of initiatives designed to expand training opportunities, increase access to care for underserved communities, and strengthen support for professionals serving high-need areas.

Support the ACCESS in Mental Health Act (PDF, 115KB) opens in new window

The ACCESS in Mental Health Act aims to support graduate programs in mental and behavioral health professions at minority-serving institutions

Co-Sponsor the Accelerating the Development of Advanced Psychology Trainees (ADAPT) Act (PDF, 758KB) opens in new window

This legislation would establish Medicare coverage of behavioral health services provided by advanced psychology trainees by directing CMS to develop a Medicare modifier to allow psychology trainees to bill for behavioral healthcare provided under the supervision of a licensed psychologist.

Continuing progress on critical issues for clinicians

APA has made substantive progress in the ongoing push for fair reimbursement for psychologists, a stronger provider workforce, and improved access to care

Data Tools from the Center for Workforce Studies

The Center for Workforce Studies produces data tools to present information on the psychology workforce and education pipeline.

Office of Continuing Education in Psychology

The Office of Continuing Education in Psychology provides CE opportunities for psychologists to expand their skills while earning CE credits through a wide range of topics.

Last updated: September 2026Date created: October 2021