The News You Need is your monthly snapshot of the latest updates and opportunities from TPA. Whether it's upcoming events or ways to get involved, this newsletter keeps you informed and connected to the psychology community across Texas.
TPA Has a New Look + action required
Did you hear? TPA has launched a new and improved website and member portal! Designed with you in mind, the site offers a cleaner layout, enhanced mobile experience, streamlined navigation, and easier access to your member benefits—including CE opportunities, advocacy tools, and community connections. As you log in for the first time, you'll need to reset your password. We highly encourage you to log in, look around, and update your profile.
Important note for members who pay monthly: Your membership will lapse June 1 and you will lose access to important member benefits unless you submit this form to continue your auto billing cycle.
Contact the TPA team at [email protected] or 512-528-8400 if you have any questions or issues.
Advocacy Update
On Monday, the Public Health Committee heard testimony on HB5537 to expand prescribing and deprescribing authority to psychologists in Texas. We are grateful to TPA members Drs. Lynette Pujol and James Underhill for their excellent testimony on behalf of the association. See the recording here. These privileges have been on TPA’s advocacy agenda for many years. It has been a tough fight, and we know it will take more time. The RxP Division has spent countless hours building the case for support, and we are excited to have received a hearing. The hearing is a very important step in engaging the legislature on this issue and puts us in a good position for next session. We look forward to continuing to work with our bill sponsors, Representative Mary González and Senator José Menéndez, to expand care in our state.
HB3863, TPA’s bill filed by Representative Canales, passed the second reading on the House floor yesterday. This bill would eliminate fees for payments from MCOs (and other third-party payors).
reminder to submit your Conference session Proposals
Elevate your voice, share your knowledge, and connect with top professionals in psychology—submit your proposal today! TPA is calling for dynamic and thought-provoking presentations that will shape the future of psychology for our 2025 Annual Conference!
Join us November 20-22 in San Antonio, Texas, and share your expertise with a community of passionate psychology professionals and students. Whether you have groundbreaking research, innovative practices, or fresh perspectives, this is your chance to make an impact.
Submission Criteria:
- At least one presenter must hold a PsyD or PhD
- Proposal form must be fully and accurately completed
- PhD students may submit but must have a mentor or sponsor present if selected
Submission Deadline: May 23, 2025
Submit Your Session
We look forward to your submissions! For questions, please email [email protected].
Hear from Dr. Jamie Becker, TSBEP Member, at TPA Office Hours – May 30
Our next session will be held on Friday, May 30, 2025, from 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CDT. As a TPA member, you can attend at no cost. This is a great opportunity to engage in meaningful conversation about current issues and ask critical questions. The discussion is informal, and you’re welcome to join or leave as needed. Topics will include Medicare rules, state regulations, ethics, insurance challenges, practice resources, and more!
Special Guest: Dr. Jamie Becker
We’re also excited to have Dr. Jamie Becker, a TPA member and psychologist serving on the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychology (TSBEP), joining us for this month's Office Hours. Dr. Becker will share insights into TSBEP’s role, recent policy discussions, and how the Board interacts with BHEC and the political landscape. This is your chance to ask questions about the board’s function and current regulatory matters. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with Dr. Becker and gain valuable information.
Office Hours are meant to provide opportunities to share ideas and concerns about the business and regulatory environment that shapes the practice of psychology. In addition to featured guests, we usually have some updates from APA, CMS, and other jurisdictions regarding developments and problems affecting the business of practice.
If you have specific questions or topics you'd like to see covered, or if you'd like to share your thoughts on any of these topics, email us at [email protected].
Zoom Link
Add to Calendar
Upcoming Webinar: TEACH OUD – Expanding Access to Compassionate Health Care for Opioid Use Disorder
Date: Thursday, June 12, 2025
Time: 5:15 – 6:15 p.m. CDT
CE Credit: 1
Price: $25 Member | $40 Non-Member
Join us for a powerful, one-hour continuing education webinar hosted by the UT Austin College of Pharmacy. This session is part of the Texans Expanding Access to Compassionate Healthcare for Opioid Use Disorder (TEACH OUD) initiative, which aims to reduce stigma and improve outcomes for individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) through person-centered, evidence-based care.
Learn More About the Speaker
Daniel brings over 15 years of field experience and currently serves with the UT Austin College of Pharmacy’s PhARM Program. He is nationally recognized for his contributions to harm reduction and OUD education and holds appointments with both SAMHSA and the National Academy of Medicine.
Participants will learn to:
- Recognize the individual and societal impacts of opioid use and OUD, especially in Texas
- Discuss evidence-based practices and effective treatment planning
- Demonstrate person-centered, ethical approaches to care and communication
- Identify opportunities to implement these practices in various clinical settings
Register now to deepen your understanding of compassionate care strategies and earn CE credit.