Psychological associations exist at local, national, and international levels to support the advancement of psychology and well-being of the public. In Alberta, PAA advocates for psychologists and promotes access to high-quality mental health care for Albertans.
At the national level, CPA develops national policy positions and represents the profession in federal matters. Internationally, groups like the Global Psychology Alliance (GPA) and American Psychological Association (APA) work to promote global standards in psychological science and human rights. While each organization has a unique scope, they work in concert and share a commitment to evidence-based psychological practice and the ethical treatment of individuals and communities.
Effective advocacy in psychology shares many of the same foundations as effective clinical work. Both rely, for example, on strong theoretical and empirical frameworks, whether addressing individual distress or systemic barriers to care. Like clinical work, advocacy involves understanding complex human systems, building respectful and collaborative relationships, and applying ethical principles to guide actions. Just as psychologists tailor interventions based on client needs, context, culture, and best available evidence, psychologists must tailor advocacy strategies to context while remaining grounded in professionalism, transparency, and the public good. In both domains, trust, competence, and compassion are essential for creating meaningful and lasting change.
From PAA’s standpoint, advocacy is most successful when it is intentional and rooted in empirically supported frameworks (e.g., ‘Coalition,’ ‘Multiple Streams,’ ‘Grassroots/Empowerment,’ or ‘Collective Impacts’ Frameworks). It is also most successful when it includes subject matter expertise, ethics, fulsome governance review, concrete solutions, and professional decorum. Successful strategies take time (e.g., 3-6 months minimum).
A key responsibility of professional associations, like PAA, is to advocate for the conditions that help psychologists deliver safe, effective care. This can mean speaking with governments, health system leaders, and even regulatory bodies to share evidence, offer recommendations, and highlight professional realities that affect the public. As noted above, effective advocacy strategies take time. When done thoughtfully and systematically, they improve access to care, supports ethical and humane practice, and uphold the profession’s integrity.
Bottom-line: Effective advocacy relies on evidence, relationship-building, and strategic timing--not a proverbial “2x4” approach, which may grab attention but rarely yields lasting results. In fact, governments often bypass inflammatory rhetoric and reactive, emotionally charged lobbying in favor of credible, solution-oriented voices that demonstrate professionalism and partnership. Please know we’re moving forward systematically and in thoughtfully balanced ways. Hopefully, you can too and support your clients (individually and collectively) as needed.
To see an executive summary of PAA advocacy efforts as of September 2025, please click here.
To see PAA's Position Statement on the EPPP, please click here.