Latest developments for practicing psychologists in response to COVID-19
Government, industry, and public responses to the coronavirus crisis are changing rapidly. APA presents an information hub specifically for psychology practice resources in response to COVID-19. Here you will find the latest advocacy updates, reimbursement and licensing/regulatory guidance, and other information to help navigate the public health emergency.
COVID-19 national public health emergency declaration extended through mid-January 2023
October 20, 2022
The extension into 2023 will impact claims, particularly for telehealth treatment.
COVID-19 national public health emergency declaration extended through mid-October
July 20, 2022
The extension will impact claims, particularly for telehealth treatment.
July 11, 2022
As part of the rulemaking process, APA will complete its analysis of the proposed rule and submit a comment letter to CMS addressing the agency’s proposed changes.
Audio-only telehealth: How to maintain privacy and security
July 5, 2022
A new resource from the Department of Health and Human Services helps providers comply with HIPAA while providing audio-only services.
April 22, 2022
Because many coverage policies are tied to the national emergency declaration, this will impact claims, particularly for telehealth treatment.
February 8, 2022
New rules reflect a forward-looking framework but may cause some confusion in the context of the temporary rules created for the COVID-19 public health emergency.
HHS extends COVID-19 national public health emergency declaration an additional 90 days
February 7, 2022
Because many coverage policies are tied to the national emergency declaration, this will impact claims, particularly for telehealth treatment.
Telehealth practice in 2022: CMS expands coverage and access
December 3, 2021
In the final rule on the 2022 Medicare Physician Fee schedule, CMS agreed with APA’s request that the agency allow psychologists to provide audio-only services to more patients.
Billing and Regulatory Issues
- State-based commercial insurers’ COVID-19 telehealth policies
- Telehealth guidance by state during COVID-19
- APA supports permanent expansion of Medicare coverage of mental health services furnished via telehealth
- Temporary changes to federal Medicare telehealth policies
- APA calls for comprehensive telehealth coverage
Professional Practice Issues
- How APA is helping COVID’s overlooked populations
- How APA Services is working for you during the COVID-19 crisis
- Provider well-being in a pandemic (PDF, 493KB)
- COVID-19: When is it OK to provide more in-person services?
- Answers to practicing psychologists’ latest questions about providing telehealth services
- COVID-19 and psychology services: How to protect your patients and your practice
- Four pieces of ethical advice for practitioners during COVID-19
- Self-care advice for health-care providers during COVID-19
COVID-19 Information and Resources from APA
- Are crisis lines meeting new mental health needs?
- Supporting K-12 students in response to COVID-19
- June 2020 Monitor on Psychology: Special report on the COVID-19 pandemic
- As COVID-19 cases increase, so does trauma among health providers
- Treating anxiety and stress in front-line workers: A step-by-step CBT guide
- How psychologists are helping America cope with the new normal
- Supporting employee mental health when reopening the workplace
- Treating front-line workers: A step-by-step guide
- How psychologists can combat the racial inequities of the COVID-19 crisis
- COVID-19 heightens the need to end health disparities
- Psychologists rush to help health-care professionals
Telepsychology and Telehealth
Educators and Students
How COVID-19 is changing psychology education
The pandemic and resulting economic downturn are affecting psychology education at every level.
Advocating for psychology students and borrowers impacted by COVID-19
APA has endorsed legislation that aims to lower the cost of federal student loans and make education more affordable for many doctoral psychology students.
Rethinking course policies and deadlines in the time of COVID-19.
The COVID-19 pandemic has moved education online for most students. Psychologists are offering ways to maximize that shift.
Grad students navigate the unknown
The coronavirus pandemic is undermining education and training for thousands of psychology students. Here’s how they are coping.
Preparing to defend your thesis from home
Many schools and programs are allowing remote defenses—meaning you could find yourself defending from your living room. Learn how to prepare yourself for this possibility.
Coping with COVID-19-related stress as a student
Whether you’re a graduate student or an undergrad, you’re probably feeling anxious, sad and uncertain. These feelings are normal. And there are ways to lessen your stress.
Free unit lesson plans for high school teachers of psychology
APA is offering complimentary unit lesson plans to high school psychology teachers to support teachers adapting to school changes due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Researchers
New guidance for protecting research participants
Ensuring safety during the COVID-19 pandemic means reducing building occupancy, spreading out in labs, and more.
Managing your grants and research during COVID 19
Measures federal agencies are taking to help researchers navigate through a variety of issues.
Researchers mobilize to study impact of COVID-19
Psychologists are shifting focus and obtaining funding to study the mental health and behavioral science aspects of the pandemic.
Funding emerges to study the psychological impact of COVID-19
Federal agencies and other funders invite research proposals related to the pandemic.
COVID-19 relevant calls for papers from APA Journals
View a list of journals soliciting manuscripts for articles, special sections, and special issues related to COVID-19.
Conducting research during the COVID-19 pandemic
Advice from psychological researchers on protecting participants, animals, and research plans.
COVID-19 free articles from APA Journals
As communities around the world respond to COVID-19, psychologists across the breadth of the field are providing critical guidance and support.
Seven crucial research findings that can help people deal with COVID-19
Psychological research on past crises can help people cope with the daily—sometimes hourly—newsflashes about the coronavirus.