Stronger Together: How Professional Organizations Help Shape Mental Health Policy

Advocacy has been a driving force throughout my career, empowering me to champion both the field and the issues I am most passionate about. One of the most effective ways I have engaged in advocacy is through professional organizations, which provide a platform for collective action. Through these organizations, I have actively contributed to task forces—including the most recent APA Task Force on Human Rights—collaborating with dedicated colleagues committed to meaningful change. In these spaces, I have found more than just a professional network; I have discovered a true community of like-minded individuals who inspire and reaffirm the belief that, together, we have the power to create a lasting impact.

Advocacy plays a crucial role in shaping the future of mental health and behavioral science. Many of our faculty, students, and alums are actively engaged in organizations that work on behalf of our fields. Policies at the local, state, and federal levels influence access to care, research funding and priorities, and the overall landscape of our field. While advocacy can feel overwhelming, especially in uncertain and turbulent times, professional organizations like the American Psychological Association (APA), the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues, California Psychological Association (CPA), American Counseling Association (ACA), and National Association of Social Workers (NASW) provide the tools and collective strength to make a difference.

When we feel unsure of what to do on our own, advocacy serves as a vehicle for action, giving us direction and a way to contribute to meaningful change. These organizations are actively engaged in policy work, ensuring that the needs of mental and behavioral health professionals—and the communities they serve—are represented.

In a recent article, APA outlines five key steps for effective advocacy, including providing input on professional and policy impacts, staying informed, lending expertise, and connecting with policymakers. Organizations like APA and other mental and behavioral health associations work to amplify voices through collective action, making it easier for professionals to engage in meaningful advocacy. Read APA’s advocacy article here.

Just as a single pencil can break easily while a bundle remains strong, our voices are more powerful when united. I have witnessed this throughout my own journey, and I hope you find the same inspiration in yours. By engaging with our peers, we help build a future where mental and behavioral health policies truly reflect the needs of our communities. Together, we can drive meaningful change.

Maureen O'Connor, PhD
President
Palo Alto University