We CAN make a difference!

So I thought I'd share some good news!

On May 7th, Gov. Martin O'Malley signed into law a bill that I have worked to get passed for the last two years!

In short, graduate students in Maryland who earn their doctoral degree in clinical psychology will no longer have to complete a post-doctoral year in order to become licensed psychologists. Instead, they can sit for licensure upon receipt of the doctorate.

This is really really(!) good news because it allows psychologists to start working a year sooner (i.e., paying taxes and paying back student loans) and to provide the mental health care that is so desperately needed in Maryland.

As the Advocacy Chair for the Maryland Psychological Association of Graduate Students (MPAGS) I have worked closely with the Maryland Psychological Association (MPA) for two years to get this passed. Together we organized legislative meetings with students, psychologists, and legislators to talk about the bill and it has all paid off!

I am soo excited about this! It feels so good to know that you CAN enact positive changes and legislators DO listen and want to help.

Just thought I'd share the good news! This is the perfect punctuation to the end of my term with MPAGS. :)