Meeting the moment: Advocating for psychology as a predoctoral fellow

As the 2025 Dalmas A. Taylor Fellow, I experienced firsthand the critical role APA Advocacy plays in promoting the interests of psychologists and the communities we serve across the country. Prior to this fellowship, I had never fully grasped how APA Advocacy advances our interests, often weathering bipartisan and organizational scrutiny to maintain these efforts.

As the Taylor Fellow, I had the privilege of observing meetings focused on key policy areas that significantly affect the role of psychologists. One major issue throughout my time with APA Advocacy was understanding the implications of H.R.1, the "One Big, Beautiful Bill Act," particularly concerning proposed Medicaid cuts that would disproportionately impact LGBTQ+ youth and adults. I also monitored the proposed elimination of the LGBTQ option at the National Suicide Hotline (988) and policy surrounding aging out services for foster youth. I also learned how regularly each APA Advocacy staff member, based on their respective policy portfolios, meets with congressional representatives and their staff to discuss pressing advocacy issues.

During my fellowship, I also participated in the Psychology Summer Instituteopens in new window, part of the Minority Fellowship Program (MFP)opens in new window, and took part in a Hill Day to advocate for increased funding for MFP along with 14 MFP Fellows. I met with the health legislative assistants for Representatives Mike Quigley (Illinois-05) and Jonathan Jackson (Illinois-01). In both meetings, I had the opportunity to share with policymakers my dual perspectives as a clinician and graduate student, emphasizing the urgent need for sustained financial support for MFP in fiscal year 2026.

Given ongoing Medicaid cuts, Illinois’ status as one of the states with the lowest Medicaid reimbursement rates, a statewide shortage of acute psychiatric beds, and an overall lack of mental health professionals, it is more important than ever that we invest in funding to train, recruit, and retain providers within their home communities.

These meetings clarified a few key insights for me:

• Representatives are highly accessible, whether by phone, email, or even a walk-in visit in DC, constituents have multiple channels to make their voices heard.
• Personal stories matter. I’ve heard countless accounts from those working in community health settings stories of struggle, resilience, and dedication while balancing roles as students, professionals, and caregivers. These narratives resonate. When we adopt a bottom-up approach to advocacy, these lived experiences can shape the kinds of policies that truly transform lives.
• Psychology has always had a place in policy-making. I have always been drawn to understanding how marginalized populations find healing through collective action and community-based initiatives. This has always led me to political perspectives.

This summer affirmed for me that psychology has a necessary role to play in policy and political advocacy. Ignacio Martín-Baró, a prominent liberation psychologist asserts this best: “The personalities of individuals significantly affect the outcome of certain political events; thus, psychology has a contribution to make to political analysis. Psychology should examine politics as it is enacted by persons and groups.”

Our voices as mental health professionals and as scientists carry weight in the change we can enact through policy. The collective vision we share of liberation for the most vulnerable of communities we serve is possible through collaboration.

For more information, contact Stefanie Reeves.