May 2026: The News You Need
The News You Need is your monthly snapshot of updates, advocacy, and opportunities from TPA. Stay informed about what affects your license, your practice, and the future of psychology in Texas.
Table of Contents
- President’s Pulse
- TPA Shares New Strategic Treatment Plan
- Mark Your Calendar for the 2026 Annual Conference
- Legislative Update
- Save the Date + Register for These Upcoming Learning Offerings
- TPF Student Awards + Research Competition Applications Open
- Explore TPA Publications
- Your Next Hire or Career Opportunity
President’s Pulse
Watch President’s Pulse →
TPA Shares New Strategic Treatment Plan
As the professional home for psychologists across Texas, TPA regularly engages in strategic planning to ensure our work remains responsive to the evolving needs of the profession, our members, and the communities we serve. A strategic plan provides a clear roadmap for where the association is headed, helping us focus our resources and efforts on the issues that matter most.
This year, TPA developed a new Strategic Treatment Plan—a framework that reflects our profession’s language while outlining the association’s priorities for the coming years. The plan is designed to guide our work in three critical areas: strengthening member engagement, proactively addressing the upcoming Sunset review process, and expanding the reach and effectiveness of our advocacy efforts statewide.
Strategic planning is important because it helps ensure that TPA is not only responding to immediate challenges, but also taking a proactive, long-term approach to protecting the profession, supporting psychologists, and advancing the science and practice of psychology in Texas. It creates alignment between the Board, leadership, and members around shared goals and provides a way to measure progress over time.
We are excited to share this new plan with you because it reflects a central belief: TPA is strongest when members are engaged in shaping the future of psychology in Texas. Whether through advocacy, leadership, membership, or collaboration, this roadmap will help guide our collective efforts to sustain and strengthen the professional viability of psychology across our state.
View the Strategic Plan Outline →
Mark Your Calendar for the 2026 Annual Conference
You're invited to the Texas Psychological Association's 2026 Annual Conference, November 12–14 in Austin. This year's theme reflects the many ways psychology continues to grow—through meaningful conversations, shared learning, professional leadership, public policy, research, and service. Whether you are a student, early-career psychologist, or seasoned practitioner, the TPA Annual Conference is a place to learn, reconnect, and be renewed as we continue cultivating a stronger future for psychology in Texas.
Learn More →
Q1 Advocacy Update
Missed the latest Advocacy Update? TPA's April Advocacy Update is now available, with highlights on Texas primary and runoff election developments, legislative turnover ahead of the 2027 session, interim charges TPA is monitoring, and key advocacy priorities affecting psychology practice in Texas. The update also includes federal advocacy news from APA, including Hill Day efforts, the ADAPT Act, federal research funding priorities, and APA's response to Chiles v. Salazar. Be sure to read the full update to stay informed on the policy issues shaping psychology and behavioral health.
Read the Update →
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Save the Date + Register for These Upcoming Learning Offerings
Professional Will Essentials: Ethical, Compassionate, and Practical Solutions with Dr. Robyn Miller
10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. CT, June 25, 1.5 CE, Ethics
Preventing Ethical Drift in Digital Practice with Dr. Kari Leavell
12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m. CT, August 10 | 1 CE, Ethics
Maximizing the Telehealth Experience in Rural and Urban Areas with Dr. Kelly Sopchak
12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m. CT, September 15 | 1.5 CE, Cultural Competency/Distinct Populations
Recognizing and Responding to Human Trafficking: In Depth for Trauma-Informed Psychologists with Dr. Tessa Orellana
5:15 p.m.-6:15 p.m. CT, October 7 | 1 CE, Human Trafficking
Platinum advocate members receive complimentary registration to all webinars, and standard doctoral members receive complimentary access to the Human Trafficking training, plus a $10 discount on the others.
TPF Student Awards + Research Competition Applications Open
The Texas Psychological Foundation (TPF) Student Awards support and recognize exceptional research and academic achievements by psychology students in Texas. Read more about how to apply for the TPF Fellowship Award or the TPF Honoree Award.
Learn More About TPF Student Awards →
Calling all undergraduate and graduate students in psychology! Presented by TPF, the Research Competition is your chance to develop the valuable skill of clearly and concisely communicating the significance of your research at the 2026 TPA Annual Conference. Read more on how to apply.
Apply for the Research Competition →
Explore TPA Publications
TPA offers two professional publications developed specifically for psychologists practicing in Texas. These resources are grounded in state law, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements to support responsible and compliant practice. Available materials provide guidance on topics such as:
• Texas-specific licensure standards and regulatory expectations
• Ethical decision-making in clinical and professional settings
• Documentation and records management best practices
• Risk management considerations for private practice and institutional settings
These publications are designed to help you navigate evolving regulatory expectations while maintaining high professional standards. Whether you are early career, mid-career, or transitioning practice settings, TPA's resources offer practical tools tailored to Texas psychologists.
Explore Publications →
Your Next Hire—or Your Next Career Move—Starts Here
Whether you're searching for the right candidate or exploring your next career move, TPA's Job Board is a valuable resource for Texas psychology professionals. Employers can share open positions with a targeted audience, and job seekers can browse opportunities connected to the psychology community across the state.