National Psychology Training Consortium

Introductory --- Designed for psychologists who may have little to no background in a specialized skill or content area. The learner can become acquainted with the theoretical underpinnings, principles, methods, and perspectives of a content area. Although it can be used as a foundation for more advanced learning, a program may simply focus on breadth, enrichment or general knowledge.

Course Description and Target Audience

Research indicates that there are mental health benefits linked to volunteer work, including enhanced mental well-being and social connections. Psychologists and trainees can utilize these benefits by engaging with professional organizations. These associations provide opportunities for advocacy, professional development, and networking, which can positively impact individuals, the psychology field, and society as a whole. Participants will learn about the history and purpose of key psychology professional organizations and will take part in an activity designed to help them identify a professional organization that aligns with their interests. The target audience for this presentation is mental health professionals who are interested in learning more about the benefits of getting involved with a psychology professional organization.

Information provided in this presentation is consistent with recent and historical evidence from peer-reviewed journals, websites and publications from professional organizations, and the personal experience and expertise of the presenter. There is limited peer-reviewed research on state, provincial, and territorial associations (SPTAs) in psychology. Most of the available literature on professional organizations is published by the organizations themselves, thus increasing risk of bias. There are no known risks to participating in this training beyond what one might experience in everyday life.

This presentation takes into consideration the significance of how marginalized populations have been underrepresented in professional organizations, the importance and utility of affinity groups/organizations, and efforts to improve inclusivity and belonging within professional associations.

Learning Objectives

• Participants will be able to describe the general purposes of state, provincial, and territorial associations (SPTAs) and other psychology professional organizations.
• Participants will be able to list and explain at least three benefits of participating in SPTAs and other psychology professional organizations.
• Participants will be able to describe the history and purpose of Ethnic Psychological Associations and affinity groups.
• Participants will be able to identify at least one website of a psychology professional organization and how to get involved.

Presenter Information

Dr. Brittany Pratt is a licensed clinical psychologist practicing in Southwest Missouri. She obtained her bachelor’s degree from Ripon College in Ripon, Wisconsin, and her master’s and doctoral degrees in clinical psychology from the Forest Institute in Springfield, Missouri. Dr. Pratt is a proud alumna of the National Psychology Training Consortium. She completed her internship at Burrell Behavioral Health in 2014 and returned to the organization as the internship training director from 2019-2025. Currently, Dr. Pratt is in private practice and specializes in the unique mental health needs of gifted and high-achieving individuals across the lifespan. She has experience working with the LGBTQIA+ community and individuals seeking a spiritually open-minded therapeutic approach. Dr. Pratt is a passionate advocate for mental health and is a past President of the Missouri Psychological Association.

Video Homestudy Format

CE’s for this homestudy training will be earned through completing the following tasks:

• Watch the presentation video and review all provided documents in their entirety.
• Pass the post-test questionnaire with at least 80% correct.

A program evaluation form will be provided to all who registered following the training. Please be sure to complete this form since your feedback helps direct future CE programming from our organization.

Registration Cost

This cost includes video links, materials, and tests required to obtain CE’s. Your CE certificate will be made available to you upon successful completion of the training (80% or higher on exam).

National Psychology Training Consortium (NPTC) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. NPTC maintains responsibility for this program and its content.