Luana Bossolo Assistant Executive Director Public Relations APA Practice Directorate Psychologists as a Consumer Resource Mental Health Parity

Parity - Opportunity for Psychologists Position Psychologists as a Resource Build a PR Strategy Talk to Executive Director & Board Determine how much you can do Use Existing Resources Team up with other organizations

Parity - Opportunity for Psychologists PR Strategy Media Relations Community Outreach Strategy Online Strategy

Parity - Opportunity for Psychologists Media Relations Identify spokesperson Map out a media plan Proactive – outreach to reporters Reactive – respond to news Create Informational Items Fact Sheets, FAQ, Press Releases Consider using APA parity resources and customize APA press release for your own SPTA use

Parity - Opportunity for Psychologists Identify News Opportunities Open Enrollment Season Depression Screening Day in October Mental Health Awareness Month October Stress and the Economy New Year’s – “new year, new law going into effect”

Parity - Opportunity for Psychologists Community Outreach Strategy Offer informational discussions with local organizations Rotary Clubs, Women’s Groups Parenting Organizations Local Mental Health Associations Team Up with PEC Network – YMCA Partnership, local Y’s may like the idea of a PEC presentation on stress. You can also handout the parity materials.

Parity - Opportunity for Psychologists Online Strategy Push information out…. SPTA websites Practitioner websites Consumer group websites Track blogs, respond to blogs covering mental health issues, use it as an opportunity to discuss parity

Use Existing Resources Sample of Colorado PEC Coordinator Dr. Stephanie Smith’s monthly e-newsletter. This is a great communications vehicle to use in delivering information about parity.

Partner with Other Organizations Some SPTAs have consumer websites such as this one developed by members of the Maryland Psychological Association. This is a great online vehicle to disseminate parity information. Add an article about the new parity law, include links to the parity documents and be sure to include your web address in any communications to reporters or local community organizations.

Opportunity for Psychologists Many other professions and organizations are already positioning themselves as a resource on the new parity law, This e-newsletter article was published by an insurance agent. This new mental health parity law going into effect is a great opportunity for psychologists and SPTAs to make themselves visible to the public and media.

Use Existing Resources APA Consumer & Employer Resources on Parity APA Press Releases & Surveys APAhelpcenter.org PHWA.org

Luana Bossolo Assistant Executive Director Public Relations APA Practice Directorate Psychologists as a Consumer Resource Mental Health Parity