Ohio Psychological Association

About OPA

What is the Ohio Psychological Association?
Located in Columbus, Ohio, The Ohio Psychological Association (OPA) is the state affiliate of the American Psychological Association. OPA is a professional membership organization that works to advance psychology as a science, as a profession and as a means of promoting human welfare in Ohio.

How many members does the OPA have?
OPA has over 1,600 members, nearly 200 of which are affiliates and students working toward a career in psychology. Members include psychologists working in private practice or the public sector, academicians, students and retired psychologists.

What services does the OPA provide to members?
OPA provides a variety of services to members, including: an ethics and colleague assistance program; continuing education programs; advocacy and legislative influence; assistance in dealing with insurance companies; discounts on psychology and education related services; advertising opportunities; an interactive media guide and referral program; monthly publications; networking and communication; and, more!

When was the OPA established?
OPA was established in 1949. The organization will celebrate its 65th anniversary in 2014.

What is the mission of the OPA?
The mission of the Ohio Psychological Association is to advance psychology as a science, as a profession, and as a means of promoting human welfare, pursuing to these ends as broad a range of Association activities as is feasible and as determined by the Board of Directors acting under the Ohio Psychological Association’s Regulations.

What issues does the OPA advocate on behalf of?
OPA advocates for issues that affect psychology and consumers. OPA’s main priority is comprehensive mental health parity. The organization also focuses on consumer access to mental health services, and consumer protection from poor quality health care.

What is the governing structure of the OPA?
OPA is governed through a Board of Directors, headed by a president who is elected by the membership. The Board is comprised of 30 psychologists and a graduate student that represent OPA’s committees, special interest groups, task forces and regional affiliates. The committees and task forces focus on a variety of issues pertaining to psychology including education, communications and technology, ethics, public education, advocacy and diversity, among others. The committee chairs are appointed by the president.

OPA’s central office has four full time employees and one part time director of professional affairs.