Sections

Sections for the Society of Clinical Psychology

The American Psychological Association, Society of Clinical Psychology (Division 12) has several sections covering specific areas of interest. Members of Division 12 may join one or more of the Sections. Some sections also have categories for non-Division 12 members.

To become a member of one or more of these sections, click HERE.

For more information about specific Sections, contact the individuals listed below.

• Section 2 - Clinical Geropsychology
• Section 3 - Society for a Science of Clinical Psychology
• Section 4 - Clinical Psychology of Women
• Section 6 - Clinical Psychology of Ethnic Minorities
• Section 7 - Section for Clinical Emergencies and Crises
• Section 8 - The Association of Psychologists in Academic Health Centers
• Section 9 - Assessment Psychology
• Section 10 - Graduate Students and Early Career Psychologists

SECTION 2 – CLINICAL GEROPSYCHOLOGY

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This Section was established to further the professional goals and interests of psychologists practicing with older adults, teaching the clinical psychology of aging, or conducting related clinical research. Its purposes are to promote the general objectives of the American Psychological Association and the Division of Clinical Psychology; to support and to encourage the evolution and development of the subspecialty of clinical geropsychology in both its scientific and professional aspects; to increase scientific understanding of mental health of older adults; to promote the development of models for the delivery of psychological services to older adults; to foster collaboration and the sharing of information among clinical geropsychologists; and to increase the quality and availability of training opportunities in clinical geropsychology.

 

SECTION 3 – SOCIETY FOR A SCIENCE OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY

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The purpose of this Section shall be to advance scientific inquiry and to foster the systematic application of the principles of behavioral and social processes derived from empirical research in the practice of clinical psychology as means of furthering knowledge and human welfare.

 

SECTION 4 – CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY OF WOMEN

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This Section was established for clinical psychologists dedicated to increasing scientific understanding of those aspects of clinical psychology that pertain to women; to promoting the development of models for the delivery of service to women; to increasing the quality of educational and training opportunities for women in clinical psychology; to advocating on behalf of women clinical psychologists with respect to formation of policies of the Division; and to the development of the subspecialty of clinical psychology.

SECTION 6 - CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY OF ETHNIC MINORITIES

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This Section was established to promote research on clinical interventions with American racial and ethnic minority populations; to foster sensitivity to cultural, racial, and ethnic issues in the training of all psychologists; to increase the quality and accessibility of training opportunities for minority clinical psychologists; to enhance the representation of minority psychologists with Division 12 and APA governance; and to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas on socio-cultural issues.

 

SECTION 7 – SECTION FOR CLINICAL EMERGENCIES AND CRISES

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This Section has been established to advance the clinical and scientific understanding of psychological/behavioral emergencies and crises, as well as the clinical abilities needed to evaluate and manage them. Emergencies include life-threatening behaviors such as acute suicidality, potential violence, and risk to vulnerable victims of violence. The Section provides a forum for the exchange of clinical information and research findings related to the emergencies noted above, and to the crises from which they so often develop. It has the further purposes of fostering education and training in the evaluation and management of these high risk clinical situations, as well as understanding and assisting with the impact of such difficult and intense work on the clinician him or herself.

 

SECTION 8 – THE ASSOCIATION OF PSYCHOLOGISTS IN ACADEMIC HEALTH CENTERS

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The mission of APAHC is to enhance the role of psychology and behavioral science in health care research, clinical care, and the education of medical students, graduate students, pre- and post-doctoral psychology interns, fellows, and resident physicians. By fostering active leadership roles for psychologists in all facets of training, clinical practice, research, and administration in academic health centers, APAHC seeks to promote an equal and collegial role of psychologists with other health care professionals.

 

SECTION 9 – ASSESSMENT PSYCHOLOGY

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This Section was established to emphasize the development, use and interpretation of tests based on psychological theory, knowledge and principles. The ongoing advances in scientifically based assessment systems, computer technology and statistical methodology, the increasingly sophisticated uses of psychological instruments in clinical settings, and the widespread use of psychological tests in making important decisions which effect the lives of many people, has created an exponentially growing body of knowledge and practice which requires the expertise of the assessment specialist. The Assessment Psychologist is familiar with the statistical, methodological, research and ethical issues involved with test development and use, as well as their proper application in specific settings and with specific populations.

 

SECTION 10 – GRADUATE STUDENTS AND EARLY CAREER PSYCHOLOGISTS

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The purpose of this Section shall be to evaluate, organize and institute initiatives to increase the number of graduate students and early career psychologists who transition to full member status, as well as the number of early career psychologists joining the Division for the first time. The Section shall collaborate in the development and implementation of the recruitment and retention initiatives of the membership Committee. The Section shall support the development of new mechanisms and the enhancement of existing mechanisms to increase participation of graduate students and early career psychologists in the Division. It shall promote greater awareness of the benefits of Division 12 membership for graduate students and early career psychologists and work to expand those benefits. It shall represent the interests and concerns of graduate students and early career psychologists throughout the Division. It shall provide a forum for announcements and to promote communication among graduate students and early career psychologists in clinical psychology. The Section will address the unique needs of graduate student and early career psychologists members entering the profession and facing early career challenges in clinical psychology.