UPA has been a proven leader in strengthening political outreach and advocating for the needs and interests of Utah psychologists in order to make a difference in the profession and how it impacts those we serve. Through the years, UPA has continued to be instrumental in protecting patient privacy, maintaining the standards of practice, and educating the public about the important role of psychology in health, mental health, and ongoing wellness. With over 200 members and a long history of successful advocacy on behalf of Utah psychologists and the public interest, UPA is recognized as a strong state psychological association.

Here are just some of the accomplishments of UPA (and benefits of UPA membership):

Practice

• Licensure law for psychologists passed in 1962 with the help of grass roots efforts by many UPA members.
• Referral service available to all licensed members; client referrals can easily offset the costs of membership.
• Information about state statutes that govern the practice of psychology.

Education

• Conferences and workshops organized with national and local presenters on topics of interest to psychologists with substantial discounts to UPA members.

Professional Contact

• UPA forum, an email list exclusively for UPA members.
• Opportunity to serve your profession and shape the future of psychology.
• Professional networking opportunities.

Public Interest & Advocacy

• Ground-breaking catastrophic mental health parity legislation passed in 2000 with help of UPA grassroots efforts.
• Legislative Committee to guard against adverse legislation to psychologists and those we serve.
• Advocacy with major health insurer that resulted in 25% increase in reimbursement rate for psychotherapy and diagnosis.

 

Mission Statement

The purpose of UPA is to advance psychology as a science and as a profession and to promote human welfare by the responsible encouragement of the development of psychology in all its branches in the broadest manner consistent with ethical and scientific standards.

UPA also improves the qualifications and usefulness of psychologists through high standards of education, competence, professional achievement, and professional ethics and conduct; to increase and disseminate psychological knowledge through meetings, reports, papers, discussions, personal contact with colleagues and organized education programs; to make available to the public the knowledge and expertise which scientific inquiry and professional experience has developed in the field of psychology; and to secure for the science and profession of psychology a stable position in the academic and community activities of the State of Utah.

UPA is a catalyst for legislative action and a supportive resource for psychologists across Utah.

UPA Diversity Policy

The Utah Psychological Association declares its intention to raise the consciousness of its members about issues of diversity. These issues include, but are not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, age, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, religion, disability, country of origin, and marital status. The Association is committed to addressing these issues and concerns in its programs and publications.