Welcome to WPA

The Wisconsin Psychological Association is comprised of many talented and knowledgeable experts who span the wide range of specialty areas our profession encompasses. It is a privilege to lead such an esteemed group of professionals who make it possible for WPA to be recognized as the premier organization for promoting the profession of psychology in our state!

WPA advocates that psychology is valuable to all people and, as a respected authority, informs both professionals and the public on mental and behavioral health issues.  The 2019 Board of Directors is dedicated to serving our membership by continuing to offer substantial benefits, high quality continuing education, state and federal advocacy representation, networking opportunities, consultation on ethical and legal dilemmas, and much more!

WPA is flourishing because of its proactive Board, dynamic committees, terrific management services and each individual member who advances the organization through their dedication to the profession every day!

Please visit often, stay engaged and get involved – WPA welcomes new energy, creative ideas and engaged professionals from all corners of psychology!

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Disaster Resource Network (DRN)

Written by: Dale A. Bespalec, Ph.D.

At this year’s convention in Appleton, Dr. Michael Spierer and I presented a program on Psychological First Aid and Critical Incident Interventions for First Responders. I also spoke to the attendees about re-establishing the DRN for Wisconsin. Some years ago, I helped to develop what was then the Disaster Response Network for Wisconsin. The DRN was then established as a WPA committee. Over the years, the DRN became inactive and although we still listed members who were interested, there was little to no ongoing training or coordination.

I was excited to learn that a number of members would like to work with me to make this an active asset for the communities in Wisconsin again. I am going to be asking the WPA board to change the status of the Wisconsin DRN from a committee to an Interest Group. Following the model now in place in APA, we would then proceed to develop ongoing training and coordination of members to serve as a disaster response resource to communities near them in Wisconsin.

The APA Disaster Resource Network has more than 2,500 psychologists who are working in their communities to prepare, respond, and recover from disasters. They are trained in disaster mental health and partner with established disaster service organizations such as the Red Cross and state/local emergency management organizations. WPA will be asked to support WPA members in forming our own DRN which will work in communities to:

1. Help prepare for disasters before they strike
2. Take steps to address the emotional distress in the midst of tragedy
3. Aid in building resilience skills to facilitate longer-term recovery
4. Provide support for first responders
5. Serve as consultative resources in addressing current and future needs of individuals affected by disasters.

The ten members who attended the Appleton program will be invited to meet and begin the process of planning and implementation of the new DRN. If you are interested in joining this group, please send me an email at dr.bespalec@gmail.com or contact the WPA office.