Kick off the Convention! aPA Advocacy Series (07/21/2026)

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Kick off the Convention! aPA Advocacy Series

Workshop Description

Psychology in Alabama is at a pivotal moment. Demand for services is growing, practice opportunities are expanding, and psychologists are playing an increasingly vital role in healthcare. At the same time, changes in reimbursement, licensure, workforce development, healthcare policy, and emerging technologies are reshaping the profession. This session will examine the current landscape of psychology in Alabama, highlight the critical role of the Alabama Psychological Association in protecting and advancing the profession, and explore how psychologists can engage in advocacy and leadership to strengthen the future of psychological practice and improve access to quality behavioral healthcare across the state.

Learning Objectives

Describe the major forces shaping the practice of psychology in Alabama.
Explain the unique role of a state psychological association in protecting the profession.
Identify current advocacy priorities affecting psychologists in Alabama.
Recognize practical ways to engage in advocacy and leadership to strengthen psychology in the state.

Workshop Description

Getting Paid What We're Worth: Reimbursement, the Aetna/Alma Cuts, and the Parity Path Forward for Alabama Psychologists

On July 15, 2026, Aetna rate changes took effect for thousands of clinicians billing through Alma — eliminating the extended-session premium and paying doctoral-level providers at master's-level rates. This one-hour presentation uses that case study to examine how psychologist reimbursement actually works: how Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial rates are set, where Alabama stands nationally, and why changes affecting one platform's clinicians signal risk for every psychologist in the state. Attendees will leave with a working understanding of mental health parity law — including what it does and doesn't require — and a practical three-step process for identifying, screening, and filing parity complaints, plus five concrete advocacy actions they can begin this month. 1 CE credit; free of charge.

Learning Objectives

Describe how Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial payers set psychologist reimbursement rates--and where Alabama falls relative to national and Southeaster benchmarks
Analyze the 2026 Aetna/Alma rate changes and their implications for credential-based rate differentials for Alabama psychologists
Identify at least 3 concrete advocacy actions Alabama psychologists can take under mental health parity law to influence reimbursement policy

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that APA CE rules require that we only give credit to those who attend the entire workshop. Those arriving more than 15 minutes after the scheduled start time or leaving before the workshop is completed will not receive CE credits and will not be eligible for the 15% premium discount described below.

2026 aPA Annual Convention (08/21/2026)

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 05:00:00 GMT

AGENDA

Be on the Look out for Session Info Coming Soon!

Registration Rates

Early Bird Registration
Ends July 12
$400

Regular Registration
Ends August 14
$450

Late Registration
Ends August 21
$500

The Alabama Psychological Association is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Alabama Psychological Association maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

Alabama Psychological Association upcoming events

Kick off the Convention! aPA Advocacy Series (07/21/2026)