I left the APA decades ago when I realized that as a clinician the APA was not my friend and certainly was not worth the expense to remain a member.  I joined NAPPP as soon as I could.  Nevertheless, the APA still plagues me.

For more than a quarter century I have presented workshops across the country to mental health associations on how to develop, manage and market a thriving, cash-pay private practice.  I did it quite successfully for 45 years in Phoenix, studied the topic, learned a few things, wrote a book on the subject and desired to share my knowledge and experience with other mental health practitioners—especially with my fellow psychologists.  Interestingly, though, I find my best customers are marriage and family therapist (MFT) and counseling associations.  While I have presented to a number of psychological associations over the years, the primary reason I hear why most psychological associations choose not to hire me is because they believe the APA will not approve CE credits for the program.  The powers that be that oversee MFT and counseling apparently have no problem with their membership learning how to effectively run a private practice and make a decent living doing it.  Our APA, on the other hand, apparently wants psychologists to practice ethically and competently–and be poor.

Curiously, some state and local psychological associations have no problems with this issue.  It seems random to me but it seemingly depends on the nature of the relationship that association has with their APA representative.  What is particularly vexing, though, is that while the APA essentially prevents most state associations from sponsoring practice development workshops, the APA itself sells those very programs on their website and offers CE’s as well!  I fail to comprehend why the topic of private practice management remains taboo.

I enabled every psychological association that wished to work with me obtain CE accreditation.  The necessary topics, lingo and buzzwords for certification are well known to me, but many state associations, fearing their “parent,” don’t take it that far.  The APA, thus, continues to treat practitioners like second-class citizens– which only reaffirms why I left years ago.

 

Larry F. Waldman, Ph.D., ABPP is a licensed clinical, forensic psychologist who practiced in Phoenix for 45 years.  He worked with children, adolescents, parents, adults, and couples in s solution-focused manner.  He also provided forensic consultations in the areas of family law, personal injury, and estate planning.  He is a Mental Consultant to Social Security and teaches graduate courses for the School Psychology and Counseling Departments for Ottawa University.  He is the author of “Who’s Raising Whom?  A Parent’s Guide to Effective Child Discipline;” “Coping with Your Adolescent;” “How Come I Love Him But Can’t Live with Him?  Making Your Marriage Work Better;”  “The Graduate Course You Never Had:  How to Develop, Manage, Market a Flourishing Private Practice—With and Without Managed Care;” “Too Busy Earning a Living to Make Your Fortune?  Discover the Psychology of Achieving Your Life Goals.” and “Overcoming Your Negotiaphobia:  Negotiating Your Way Through Life.”   Dr. Waldman speaks professionally to educators, corporations, chiropractors, attorneys, and mental health associations on the topics of private practice management and development, parenting, marriage, and wellness.   His contact information is:  602-418-8161; email: LarryWaldmanPhD@cox.net; Website:  TopPhoenixPsychologist.com.