Diversity Statement

The Texas Psychological Association (TPA) firmly upholds values that support its diverse members and the clients served by the TPA membership. TPA will establish and sustain policies that promote understanding of the intersectionality of social, political, economic, and environmental practices and race, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, and religion. All members are encouraged to strive for competence in understanding how these factors affect our communities.

It is the mission of TPA to promote knowledge, awareness, and competence not only within its organization but also throughout the state of Texas. TPA will establish initiatives that will increase the cultural sensitivity and competence of both its leaders and members, build and sustain relationships with other professional organizations, and encourage diversity within TPA’s membership and leadership.

It is TPA’s goal to promote and apply the knowledge of psychology to issues related to diversity, including race, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, and religion. TPA’s specific objectives include:

  • encouraging culturally sensitive research on traditionally marginalized groups and culturally sensitive and responsive treatment;
  • promoting standards of practice that are culturally and linguistically affirming;
  • promoting legislative initiatives that further the training, research, and practice of psychology with marginalized groups and advance culturally competent care;
  • providing a forum for communication and consultation among psychologists in the state of Texas who are committed to developing culturally and linguistically appropriate skills and practices; and
  • promoting the highest standards of ethical and culturally competent practice among practitioners, consistent with those espoused by the American Psychological Association (APA), including but not limited to the Multicultural Guidelines: An Ecological Approach to Context, Identity, and Intersectionality (2017) and Organizational Change for Psychologists of the APA.

Adopted 11/11/20