Missouri Psychological Association

Policy matters—especially in mental health. Your Missouri Psychological Association is attending the 2026 APA Practice Leadership Conference (PSLC) to advocate for policies that support Missouri psychologists and your patients by expanding access to care. In DC this week are your CEO Dr. Chuck Hollister, President Dr. Helen Weiser, Diversity Representative Dr. Timika Edwards, President-Elect Dr. Jessica Gerfen, and APA Representative Dr. Paul Korte— ensuring Missouri psychologists have a voice at the national level.

New Webinar Opportunity! Accurate diagnosis drives effective treatment — yet distinguishing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) from overlapping conditions such as trauma and other neurodevelopmental or mental health disorders is increasingly complex.

This session is designed to help clinicians sharpen their diagnostic clarity in an evolving landscape where training gaps and symptom overlap can lead to misdiagnosis or delayed care.

At the end of this presentation, participants will be able to:

- Describe core diagnostic criteria for ASD and related diagnoses
- Analyze symptom profiles associated with trauma and their impact on diagnostic decision-making
- Identify overlapping symptomatology that complicates differential diagnosis

Register now: www.mopaonline.org/learning

Hey -- let's take a break and MINGLE!

Join us for a casual evening of connection at our next Mingle with MOPA event -- This time in the St. Louis area! Whether you're a longtime psychologist or just starting your journey in the field, this is a laid-back chance to chat, laugh, and unwind with others who get what you do.

- No charge to attend – just pay for your own food and drinks
- We'll save you a seat!
- Come mingle, connect, and be part of the conversation
- please RSVP so we can get a head count for reservations (https://www.mopaonline.org/mingle)

See you there!

Ready to strengthen your clinical toolkit?

Join us for a powerful upcoming webinar featuring Dr. Margaret Cornell on Motivational Interviewing & the Stages of Change Model—two essential, evidence-based frameworks that support meaningful behavior change. Whether you're a seasoned provider or just starting out, this session is packed with practical insights to help you connect more effectively, communicate more clearly, and support your clients in achieving lasting transformation. AND this 1-hour CE is FREE for MOPA members. Learn more now...www.mopaonline.org/learning

MEET MOPA MINDFUL MOVES

We're thrilled to introduce MOPA Mindful Moves — your regular roundup of psychology job opportunities across Missouri and beyond, straight from our newly launched Career Center at MOPAOnline.org. Whether you're actively job hunting or just keeping an eye out for what’s next, the Career Center makes it easy. Visit the MOPA Career Center: https://mopaonline.careerwebsite.com

-- ADVERTISEMENT --

**Licensed Mental Health Professional**
St. Charles, Mo.

Psychological Network, Incorporated, is seeking a compassionate and skilled licensed mental health professional to join our team. PNI has been in business for over 25 years in the Saint Charles community. It offers psychological services to individuals, couples, families, organizations, and the forensic, medical, and aviation communities. We are a community based mental health clinic for the greater St. Louis region as well as on-line services. Each mental health professional is supported in marketing, gaining access to insurance panels, collecting fees, and getting started in private practice, as well as enhancing those who already work in private practice.

REQUIREMENTS
Master's or Doctorate in mental health assessment, therapy, diagnosis, and counseling. PNI would like to add a psychologist, master's level LPC Family Therapist, or social worker. It is important to have strong interpersonal and communication skills to be able to build rapport with clients through active listening and problem-solving. It is important to have a passion for helping others and providing supportive care.


See the Job Posting

We’re Opening Doors to Inclusive Care at MOPA 2025!

Join us June 20–21 at UMKC for a conference full of powerful conversations, expert insights, and meaningful connections.

One of this year’s featured sessions:
“Psychology & Ensuring Inclusive Communities and Culturally Informed Care: Not a Political Ideology” with Dr. Vetta Sanders Thompson, E. Desmond Lee Professor at Washington University in St. Louis.

Why attend?
- Grounded in science – rooted in decades of research
- Guided by evidence – inclusion improves outcomes
- Essential for belonging – helps build ethical, culturally responsive care

Don’t miss your chance to hear from Dr. Thompson and explore sessions from other dynamic speakers shaping the future of psychology in Missouri and beyond.

- Register now
- Invite your colleagues
- Check out the full schedule

Learn more: www.mopaonline.org/mopa2025

Early bird registration for MOPA 2025 ends this week — and this year’s event opens with a powerful pre-conference session you won’t want to miss.

Creative Work in the Liminal Space of Somatization
Led by Dr. Cindy Schmidt, Clinical Psychologist and Faculty at Kansas City University.

This session will explore how clinicians can:
- Identify risk factors contributing to somatization
- Recognize clinical patterns through nuanced case examples
- Apply creative, evidence-informed strategies to engage metaphor and meaning in treatment

Join us June 20–21 at UMKC as we open doors beyond the diagnosis.

Register before early bird pricing expires: www.mopaonline.org/mopa2025

Teens today are growing up in a world that demands resilience—but many aren’t getting the support they need to thrive.

Whether you’re a parent, educator, or community leader, you have a role to play. Small moments of support can make a lasting difference.

Let’s create environments where every teen feels seen, heard, and valued. 💙

MOPA 2025 is RIGHT around the corner, and we want you to be there! We've negotiated several reduced rates at area hotels. Visit our site at www.mopaonline.org/mopa2025 to register and book your room!

April is National Minority Health Month
Health disparities still impact communities every day — from access to care to life expectancy.

Let’s raise awareness and push for equity in health care for ALL. 🩺✨

Congratulations to Kymbriona Taylor!

MOPA proudly recognizes Kymbriona Taylor as the Psychologist of the Month (Student) for her outstanding contributions to psychology, commitment to social justice, and dedication to uplifting marginalized communities. From groundbreaking research to leadership and mentorship, Kymbriona is making a lasting impact!
👏 Join us in celebrating her achievements! Learn more about her on MOPA’s website: www.mopaonline.org

MOPA is opening the door to students, post-docs, and early-career psychologists to step up and share your research at the MOPA 2025 Conference at UMKC! 📢

Our 5 Minutes, 5 Slides session is the perfect opportunity to showcase your work in a fast-paced, engaging format. Whether it’s groundbreaking research, clinical insights, or innovative approaches—we want to hear from YOU! Learn more at www.mopaonline.org/mopa2025

🔹 Event: MOPA 2025 Conference – Kansas City
🔹 Format: 5 minutes, 5 slides, big impact!
🔹 Who can apply? Students, interns, post-docs, and early-career psychologists
🔹 Deadline: May 20

Submit your proposal today! Be seen. Be heard. Be part of the future of psychology.