DIVISION FOR RESEARCH AND TRAINING (DRAT):  This Division, previously called the Division of Academic and Research Psychologists, is dedicated to meeting the needs of psychologists and students in Oklahoma who are interested in research and training.  The Division works with the program chair and the Student Division to provide presentations on research and training issues at the annual convention.  The Division also chooses the winner of the Oscar Parsons award, given to a young researcher in Oklahoma who is making significant contributions to the field.  Both Full Members and Associates may hold office and vote within the Division.  The Division represents the needs and voice of undergraduates on the OPA Board.

DIVISION OF HEALTH SERVICE PROVIDERS (HSP): Organized expressly to serve the needs and interests of those psychologists engaged in providing psychological health services to the citizens of Oklahoma.  Its objectives are to advance psychology as a health profession and as a means of promoting human welfare through encouraging and supporting the highest standards of professional practice; by the advancement of psychological knowledge in clinical research, educational and other public settings; and by advocacy for professional psychology in health care, business, legal and governmental forums.  Only Full Members of OPA may vote or hold office within this Division.

DIVISION OF PRESCRIPTIVE AUTHORITY (RxP):  This division was founded in 2004 solely to advance the concept of prescriptive authority for properly trained psychologists.  The Division helps develop fundraisers, legislation and educational programs on RxP which are then implemented by the OPA Board of Directors, Legislative Committee, etc.  Only Full Members of OPA may vote or hold office within this Division.

DIVISION OF DIVERSITY (DIVERSITY): This division was founded in 2016 to advance the culturally competent practice of psychology which addresses a wide range of diversity issues.  The division also works to increase recruitment, retention, and participation of members from diverse backgrounds and provide outreach, resources, and ongoing education around diversity and inclusion to communities throughout Oklahoma, graduate students, and developing professionals.  (Note:  Only Full Members of OPA may vote or hold office within this Division.)

MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE (MDC): This committee is organized to retain and recruit members of OPA.  The committee reviews all new members and works with the Board to implement new benefits and services for members and those that we are recruiting to join.  

EARLY CAREER PSYCHOLOGISTS (ECP): This group is for those in their first year of practice.  The ECP LIstserv is a great way to connect with peers who fall into this category of licensure.  OPA strives to involve ECP's both at the board level and in other areas to educate leaders for the future.   If you are interested in being a part of this group, contact us today!  

The Oklahoma Psychological Association is responsible for appointments to many Oklahoma State boards and committees.  They include:  

• American Psychological Association (APA)
• • Council Representative

Elected by OPA members to serve for a period not to exceed three years,  Council Reps must be a member of their State/Provincial/Territorial Association (OPA) and a member of APA.  Elections are general before the term expires in December of expiration year. APA covers the costs for Council Rep to be in attendance at required meetings, unless held virtually.   

The goal of the FAC is to cultivate and strengthen relationships with each Member of Congress from Oklahoma and to be identified as the key contact on mental health issues before Congress and to develop and maintain an effective grassroots network of psychologists within your state.  Often the FAC shares these duties with the Executive Director or the Legislative Affairs Committee Chair.  FAC’s must be both doctoral-level psychologists licensed to practice in their state and to either be a current payer of the practice assessment or qualified as exempt from paying the practice assessment. 

• Behavioral Health Advisory Council (BHAC, OHCA)

The OHCA Behavioral Health Advisory Council was founded to facilitate communication between OHCA consumers, providers and other stakeholders. The mission of the Council is to provide input to the OHCA and designated agents regarding behavioral health care within Oklahoma’s Medicaid programs. The Council’s priority is to foster communication, understanding and participation from the stakeholders and to recommend policy changes to OHCA leadership. In order to facilitate participation and recommendations, the OHCA staff and designated agents will provide education, and information regarding the current Oklahoma Medicaid program, federal policy and other issues relevant to quality service improvement.  To learn more, click here: The OHCA Behavioral Health Advisory Council was founded to facilitate communication between OHCA consumers, providers and other stakeholders. The mission of the Council is to provide input to the OHCA and designated agents regarding behavioral health care within Oklahoma’s Medicaid programs. The Council’s priority is to foster communication, understanding and participation from the stakeholders and to recommend policy changes to OHCA leadership. In order to facilitate participation and recommendations, the OHCA staff and designated agents will provide education, and information regarding the current Oklahoma Medicaid program, federal policy and other issues relevant to quality service improvement.  To learn more, click here.  

• Child Death Review Board

The mission is to reduce the number of preventable deaths through a multidisciplinary approach to case review.  In 1991, the Oklahoma legislature recognized the need for a multidisciplinary review of how Oklahoma’s children were dying and created the Child Death Review Act.  As a result, the Child Death Review Board (CDRB) was created within the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth (OCCY).

Since its beginning, the CDRB has reviewed more than 7,000 cases involving the deaths of Oklahoma’s children all aged 18 years and younger.  Although the results are confidential, the reviews have allowed the CDRB to collect statistical data and system failure information.  This has led to the development of recommendations to improve policies, procedures, and practices within (and between) the agencies that protect and serve the children of Oklahoma.

The CDRB strongly believes that through the implementation of these recommendations, lives will be saved, families will be strengthened, and agencies who serve to safeguard Oklahoma’s children, are supported in a manner that assists them in performing their duties.  The CDRB submits a report annually that includes information and recommendations aimed to reduce the number of child-related deaths in Oklahoma. For more information click here. 

• Oklahoma State Board of Examiners of Psychologist (OSBEP)

The Mission of the Oklahoma State Board of Examiners of Psychologists is to protect the public by regulating the practice of psychology in Oklahoma to ensure that only properly qualified psychologists practice psychology in the state and that the psychology profession as a whole is conducted in the public's best interest.  To learn more click here.