Panel Discussions
Professional/ Interprofessional Issues
Alayna Park, Ph.D.
University of Oregon
Eugene, Oregon
Lynn F. Bufka, Ph.D.
Associate Chief, Practice Transformation
American Psychological Association
Washington, DC, District of Columbia
Allison R. Love, Ph.D.
Training Manager
PracticeWise LLC
Satellite Beach, Florida
Rachel E. Kim, Ph.D.
Director of Implementation
Judge Baker Children's Center
Boston, Massachusetts
Kelsie H. Okamura, Ph.D.
Judge Baker Children's Center
Honolulu, Hawaii
Resham Gellatly, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Fellow
University of California, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California
Katherine Tsai, M.P.H., Ph.D.
Director of Research and Clinical Training
Five Acres
South Pasadena, California
The gap between clinical science and clinical practice is evident in not only how we apply knowledge but also how we discuss career options. Students and early-career professionals often learn about academic research positions and clinical positions, with little emphasis on positions that do not fall neatly into traditional career paths. The goal of this panel is to provide a forum for discussion about alternative careers that incorporate clinical science and/or clinical practice. This panel brings together speakers from diverse backgrounds at different stages of their careers, with job responsibilities that range from more research-focused to more clinically-focused. Panelists bring experiences working as leaders in a group practice, a community mental health agency, a state department of mental health, purveyor and intermediary organizations, and a leading scientific and professional organization in psychology. Their positions involve developing evidence-based mental health tools and services; providing evidence-based psychotherapy (EBP) training, supervision, and consultation to mental health professionals; conducting needs assessments and program evaluations; leading practice-based implementation efforts; and communicating findings from clinical science to policymakers and the general public. Panelists will: (a) describe a typical day in their position; (b) share what attracted them to their current position; (c) provide recommendations for searching for and securing similar positions; and (d) discuss how their work helps promote the delivery of effective and culturally-responsive mental health services. Aligned with the convention theme of emergency and disaster preparedness and response, attendees will gain an expanded understanding of the career options available to them, as we work together as a profession to address rising levels of mental health needs and empower populations to handle systemic and emergent challenges and adversity.