I'm pleased to welcome you to the Sacramento Valley Psychological Association. As president, I'm privileged to follow in the busy footsteps of colleagues before me who have dedicated service to our organization.
SVPA is the only local organization that represents psychologists of all specialties, and members come from a wide geographic area- from the foothills to the central valley. We are supported by the California Psychological Association and enjoy proximity to the state capitol; this makes for a unique relationship between psychologists and the various governing bodies of our profession.
Membership has its benefits! You may have come across this website while seeking a referral to a psychologist with a different specialty than your own or perhaps you are interested in networking and promoting a new practice- our members enjoy a free and highly effective website profile each year. You may be curious about what other psychologists in the area are doing or need support for a project. You may have plans for community outreach or wish to learn about current government activities, and you may need information about CE courses and community events. If you are a pre-licensed, you might be seeking an internship or fellowship; students are always welcome and the first year of membership is free. As you will find, many local psychologists have provided their energy and expertise to the SVPA board over the years, an entirely volunteer effort.
Founded in 1962, SVPA's mission is two-fold: Support the local practice of Psychology and raise public awareness of the field. Psychology is a profession that is always transitioning and expanding- the most recent and obvious changes being HIPPA, increased distance learning for CE, and attempts to eliminate the California Board of Psychology. SVPA is keeping up with the changes. For example, a recent poll of colleagues suggested that local psychologists want more opportunities to network and more ways to showcase local expertise whereas in years past, CE events might have been needed. In response, SVPA will introduce a series of dinner meetings combining networking opportunities and talks of interest by local psychologists. In the future we hope to expand our web capabilities and perhaps offer distance learning, discounted of course for members.
Our bimonthly meetings are held the first Monday of the month. Please contact myself or any board member for more information.
Catherine Cohen, Psy.D.
President, SVPA
(916) 444-8834
catherinecohen@hotmail.com